Category Archives: Mold Law

Find Out How to Report Mold Found in Your Workplace

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Find Out How to Report Mold in the Workplace

Find Out How to Report Mold in the Workplace

Mold problems aren’t limited to residential buildings. Any structure with organic materials and moisture can be a breeding ground for mold infestations. Our NYC mold removal experts offer helpful tips on reporting mold found in your workplace.

How to Report Mold in the Workplace

• Notify your manager or supervisor as soon as you discover signs of mold. Send it via email so your report is documented.

• Lead off by stating where and when you first saw mold and approximately how large of an area it covered.

• Include details about the location, including signs of moisture or water damage such as condensation, leaky pipes, dark surface stains or structural damage.

• If you don’t receive a response to your email within a couple of days, have a follow-up conversation with your manager or supervisor. Contact the human resources department or a higher-ranking manager if no action is taken.

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards call for wet materials to be thoroughly dried and cleaned with 24 to 48 hours after a flood or other event involving water. Remind management of this recommendation if the workplace sustains any water damage.

• If your company fails to address a mold issue, contact the local OSHA office.

Stern Mold: The Leader in Residential and Commercial NYC Mold Removal

Our NYC mold removal technicians are experienced in effective treatment for both residential and commercial buildings. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection and consultation.

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Law, News

Untreated Workplace Mold? What to Know to Prevent a Lawsuit!

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Mold in the Workplace Can Affect Workers' Health

Mold in the Workplace Can Affect Workers’ Health

As an employer or landlord, you have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions for employees and tenants. Mold and mold-related illnesses have become the focus of an increasing number of lawsuits, making Manhattan mold removal imperative. What can you do to protect employees and tenants while reducing liability?

Preventing Mold in Commercial Buildings

Mold spores surround us constantly, both indoors and out. Problems arise with extended exposure to large concentrations of indoor mold growth.

• Stay vigilant for signs of mold. Infestations may not always be visible, so your first clue may be a persistent musty smell. You should also investigate if people begin complaining about chronic symptoms such as sneezing, coughing and fatigue.

• Removing visible mold isn’t enough. Identify and resolve the cause, whether it’s leaky pipes, poor construction or excess humidity.

• Keep employees or tenants informed about steps you’re taking to remediate mold. Failure to disclose can cause reduction in morale and productivity while reflecting negatively on you in any possible legal action.

• Mold isn’t always covered by insurance. Check your policy, and if mold isn’t included, ask about purchasing additional coverage.

• If you’re doing any construction or renovations, review contracts to ensure contractors and subcontractors are liable for any defects that may cause mold.

Safe and Effective Manhattan Mold Removal

Stern Mold provides eco-friendly, non-intrusive removal of infestations while treating the conditions that cause mold growth. Contact us to schedule a free mold inspection by our professional Manhattan mold removal team.

Posted in Mold Information, Mold Law, News

Got Toxic Mold? Do You Have Enough for a Lawsuit?

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Got Toxic Mold? Do You Have Enough for a Lawsuit?

Got Toxic Mold? Do You Have Enough for a Lawsuit?

Toxic mold lawsuits have been filed against builders and contractors, employers, government agencies and even automakers. Does your toxic mold problem rise to the level of legal action? Our New Jersey mold removal experts share important information about toxic mold litigation.

Making a Case

• Toxic mold litigation is a specialized field. Your first step should be consulting an attorney who is qualified in this area.

• Establishing the presence of toxic mold isn’t enough. There has to be evidence regarding the type of mold, location and cause of the infestation and whether or not spores were able to become airborne.

• Document every event and communication involving the mold problem, including conversations with a landlord and interaction with cleaning services.

Responsibility of Landlords

Landlord liability often hinges on the issue of notice.

• Constructive notice occurs when a “reasonable person” is in possession of facts that would lead to certain knowledge.

• Actual notice is when a landlord has direct knowledge of a situation through a tenant, repair person or their own investigation.

Damages

• Property damage can include cost of remediation, loss of personal property and reduction in real estate value, while personal damage arises from physical ailments such as bronchitis, memory loss or immune system disorders.

• Emotional distress, which involves the psychological effects of toxic mold exposure, is more difficult to determine.

Stern Mold: Your New Jersey Mold Removal Experts

Rely on the professional expertise of our trained technicians. Contact Stern Mold to schedule a free mold inspection of your home or business.

Posted in Mold Law, Mold Treatment, News, NYC Mold Removal

Mold! What Every Property Manager Should Know

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Learn About Mold to Protect Your Employees

Learn About Mold to Protect Your Tenants

Both indoors and outdoors, mold has always been around us. As environmental awareness has grown, so too have concerns about the health effects of mold infestations.

If you’re a property manager, interior mold growth can lead to problems ranging from bad publicity to lawsuits. Our Manhattan mold removal experts share important facts you need to know.

Risk Factors for Mold

Moisture and organic matter are the only elements needed for mold to develop. Once it germinates, mold can spread as quickly as one to two days, especially in dark, confined areas.

Organic materials, including wood, carpet and sheetrock, make building interiors particularly opportune places for mold infestations. Mold is also a sign of a moisture problem, whether it’s a water leak or high humidity levels.

How Much Mold Is Too Much?

While there are no federal or state regulations defining acceptable mold levels, the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine recommends immediate removal of mold inside buildings. Failure to do so may trigger penalties under OSHA’s General Duty Clause, which covers workplace hazards without specific standards.

Mold Remediation

According to the EPA, the best way to control mold is by controlling moisture. In addition to removing or repairing the source of the moisture, adequate ventilation should be installed in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas prone to mold development.

Trust Stern Mold for Manhattan Mold Removal

Pamela Stern is fully licensed and certified to create a customized mold treatment program for your specific needs. Contact us for more information.

Posted in Mold Identification, Mold Information, Mold Law, News

Mold in Commercial Buildings – What to Know to Be Safe

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Prevent Mold in Commercial Buildings

Prevent Mold in Commercial Buildings

Mold species are virtually everywhere, and the majority of them are not toxic to humans. But there are some that can cause serious health issues. In the home, it’s much easier to keep mold in check, but that’s not the same for the workplace. Many employers find it once it has seriously progressed, and when it reaches that point, NYC mold removal is needed.

But in the meantime, there’s a lot you can do to keep yourself safe if your office is a place where mold is a serious problem.

Avoid Spaces with Humid Air

Humidity is the perfect breeding environment for mold. During the spring and summer, there may be some rooms at your workplace where mold thrives. Try to avoid these spaces if at all possible. Also, if you find a leak, report it right away. They can lead to mold problems as well.

Keep the Refrigerator Clean

Mold can, and often does grow on leftover or older foods that may be forgotten in your office’s refrigerator. If you want to cut down on mold exposure, make it your job to clean it out at least once every month.

Use Protective Equipment

Safety glasses and face masks can be very helpful if you have to be in a place where mold is a problem. You can develop health issues from mold even if you’ve never had them in the past. It’s important to protect yourself.

Are you looking for NYC mold removal services? Contact us today!

Posted in Mold & Your Health, Mold Identification, Mold Law
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