Our building was partly destroyed today in the winds. I work for a doctors surgery. The fire exits are completely blocked by bricks and damaged cars that will not be removed until sometime tomorrow. Is it legal for staff and patients to be in this building?
2007-01-18 05:08:26 · 22 answers · asked by northstar21_2000 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The building could be structually unsafe and until it is proven otherwise and made safe then noone should be allowed in or near there. Do you have a safety rep. Your bosses should be aware of the emploment acts. All employers will ensure that employees have a safe working environment and fire exits must never be obstructed
2007-01-18 05:19:43 · answer #1 · answered by Rowdydogz 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would contact the Fire Marshall - but it does seem to make sense that a building must have fire exits therefore if those fire exits are blocked then being open for business would then be in violation of fire code.
Or just no one light a match!
2007-01-18 05:12:23 · answer #2 · answered by Susie D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Under health and safety act , no, If the building has a fire exit it must be access able at all times,but under the circumstances I couldn't truly be 100% certain,I suppose it's the Dr's and staff's discretion.be safe anyway.
2007-01-18 05:17:29 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What did your fire marshall say? That's the only person with authority to issue decisions of this nature; he should already have done so, and is decision should be prominently posted. I certainly would not have my patients showing up for care in such a situation, nor would I want my employees there.
2007-01-18 05:15:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Under the circumstances no it is illegal, you must clear a path, but on the other hand gross negligence pays off big time should a tragedy strike in that building.
If it was me and I was director, it would be a priority to insure the safety of the people in the building ;therefore, get some bulldozers in here and lets clear them doors
2007-01-18 05:15:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is 100% illegal, no matter the circumstances. As previous people have said, if a patient got injured or killed, the family will sue but even YOU should matter to your boss. I would go see the boss personally- you cannot be sacked for ensuring the health and safety of yourself and others
2007-01-18 06:06:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not legal. Nothing, at any time,should be blocking the fire exit. Technically, your employer is breaking the law.
Out of interest, whereabouts do you work?
2007-01-18 05:39:23 · answer #7 · answered by Flossie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming that you are in the USA, there are state fire codes and OSHA regulations that forbid emergency exits from being blocked. Contact your facilities manager for the building and have him or her advise you. If there isn't one or if he/she gives you the run around, call OSHA or your local code enforcement officer for the town/city your work in.
2007-01-18 05:13:16 · answer #8 · answered by kja63 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would say no. The fire exits must be cleared and he'll probably get a fine if he allows it. Isn't he working on getting it fixed?? I'm sure he called someone... it just happened today...
2007-01-18 05:13:02 · answer #9 · answered by momof3 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesnt say much about the employer, what if more of the building had come down? Ther are risking the lives of their staff and patience.
2007-01-18 05:11:53 · answer #10 · answered by Winnie2004 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋