Risk Factors in the Environment

[Barcelonan]

I learned I am HIV+ last year. My load and other markers are good, but I want to know what I should do about work. I am a security guard and happen to be assigned to a filthy, rat and roach infested, feces-ridden storage room that was converted to a monitoring room for the monitors and tape storage devices. I have complained about this for the 2 years I've been here, as have all other staff, and the state department of health upheld an employee complaint about the filth. My employer says I don't have to be transferred to a cleaner position because my t-cell count and viral load are normal but it is making me crazy. Does anyone know of any studies or data regarding the health vigilance (I mean aside from the usual safe sex precautions) that an HIV+ person should maintain to keep healthy. My doctor's notes have not worked, and I am now raising it to the level of taking it to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. But I need evidence to prove my case. Please help.

KL   

[tednlou2]

It shouldn't matter whether you're poz or not.  No one should have to work in those conditions, unless your job is an exterminator.  Is this not an issue OSHA would deal with? 

As far as health issues being poz, I am not sure. 

[Barcelonan]

You are absolutely right - no one should work in those conditions - but the employer isn't doing anything and  I really need proof to get out of there and it is driving me out of my mind that all the rat shit is making my condition worse. Can anyone direct me where to look for studies on this?

[darryaz]

I wouldn't bother looking for studies.  Contact OSHA and make a formal report.  That sort of environment is unsafe for ANYONE!!!!

Here's a link.......

http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/complain.html

Scroll about 1/2 way down the page and read the part about how your employer CAN NOT punish or discriminate against you for making a workplace safety complaint.

[Barcelonan]

I appreciate that really. The state deparmtment of health has come in and sustained my complaint. But my employer is powerful and doesn't give a fuck. They've done little or nothing to clean up. If I give them evidence that the environment exacerbates my HIV, however, then I can get somewhere. Without that I'm stuck with their close-minded opinion that as long as my numbers are ok, the dirty environment is not affecting me.

[Oceanbeach]

Why don't you quit the job and find another job in a clean situation?  Why waste your time and energy fighting for something which already be provided such as clean work environment? OB