do i call in sick to work to make a point?

Question

i live in dallas tx, and it's about 102-106 everyday here. the building i work in at night has a broken air conditioner and they have yet to fix it (it's in our corporate office's hands now, we can do nothing locally). i'm considering telling them that i refuse to come back until it's fixed because it is SO DAMN hot in there (90+ degrees). but i don't want to leave my co-workers hanging with a shift uncovered but i'm MISERABLE.

what would you do?

Answer 1

Yeah go ahead.... and Monday your boss will be like, "Should I fire her to make a point?"

Answer 2

OSHA can only cite this under the general duty clause.

NIOSH (OSHA recommendation governmental organization) reccommends that for a situation such as yours, you should spend no more than 30 minutes in the heat before taking a break in a cooled area.

They should provide you with plenty of cook water, fans, frequent breaks, etc. until the air is fixed. They should also provide you frequent breaks to stand up and walk around. The more you walk the less likely you will be to pass out or suffer a heat related occupational illness.

If you start to feel weak or sick, file a workers compenstaion claim for heat stress. If they refuse, then call OSHA. If they refuse you treament, they will be in some big trouble. Under OSHA's whstleblower program you cannot get into any trouble for reporting safety related items.

I would not recommend calling in though. I would go to work and speak with HR about getting some envornmental controls in place ASAP.

Answer 3

I think you're justified in calling in sick, but they might they're justified in firing you. Just keep in mind that in private industry, they can fire you for almost any reason they can make up (unless you have proof that it's for a reason that is illegal).

But I would let them know that they need to get cracking on fixing that air conditioner, or you will report them to the local health department and the labor department (look into those options to see which is more appropriate). If they don't do anything immediately, then definitely report them.

Answer 4

take a fan and bottle water give them a week then tell them your taking a few days off for vacation hopefully they have it fixed if not find another job.sound like they dont care about there workers anyway.and call coorperative office during the day maybe someone hasnt made the call to the right person to get it fixed .I work for coorperative office and they sent someone out that day.

Answer 5

Report it to your union rep if you are part of a union.
Otherwise report it to the State Workers Comp Board (they can at least tell you where to go).

I feel for you ... hubby is working in a building where they turn A/C off at 6pm ... but he works til midnight with security. Fortunately its not so hot here, but he has to wear a wool suit.

Answer 6

You should report it to OSHA. There are standards of operation that employees cannot work at certain temperatures. Make an anonymous call. Don't call in sick and get in trouble, but get it fixed.

Answer 7

I'd say take a stand... no one should have to work in that heat. Check with your state offices, see if your employer can be cited, then tell your employer if the answer is yes.

Answer 8

Either call, or buy a small fan. I feel for you, I used to live in San Antonio....boy it get HOT in TX. Good Luck!

Answer 9

i would feel bad for your co workers as well, maybe u could ALL plan a walk out until cooler temperatures!!

but you know, they have the choice to suffer in the heat or stay home...

Answer 10

Can you get some of the others to call-off, too? If a whole bunch of you stayed home, they'd have to do something.

Edit: Can you get a doctor's excuse?

Answer 11

Heck yeah, I would! I know how you feel. I live on the coast of Texas. Hot as hell!!