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A hardware store worker reported that his employer required him to clean bird and rodent droppings from paint cans in the storage area before being placed for sale in the shop. The worker’s employer only provided rubber gloves and no other personal protection equipment or PPE. The worker asks whether this was an appropriate course of action by his employer.
Health Hazards Associated With Worker Exposure to Rodent Droppings
Before diving into the legalities of the hardware store requiring a worker to clean up bird and rodent droppings in this manner, an overview of health risks is important. There are a number of potentially serious health risks associated with exposure to rodent droppings that include:
- Hantavirus: This virus is carried by rodents and can cause a deadly respiratory disease. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, Hantavirus can lead to kidney failure or even death.
- Salmonellosis: This type of food poisoning can be caused by exposure to rodent droppings. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, Salmonellosis can lead to dehydration and hospitalization.
- Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection is spread through rodent urine or droppings contaminated items. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney failure or meningitis.
- Tularemia: This bacterial infection can be spread through contact with infected rodents or rodent droppings. Symptoms include fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, Tularemia can lead to pneumonia or meningitis.
- Asthma: Exposure to rodent droppings can trigger asthma symptoms. This is because rodent droppings contain allergens that can cause inflammation in the airways.
- Allergies: Rodent droppings can cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
- Eosinophilic meningitis: This rare infection is caused by a parasite found in rodent droppings. Symptoms include headache, fever, and neck stiffness. In severe cases, Eosinophilic meningitis can lead to coma or death.
- Lymphocytic choriomeningitis: This viral infection can be spread through contact with contaminated rodent droppings or urine. Symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases, Lymphocytic choriomeningitis can lead to meningitis or encephalitis.
Health Hazards Associated With Worker Exposure to Bird Droppings
It is also important to note some of the more significant health hazards potentially associated with bird droppings:
- Histoplasmosis: a fungal infection that can cause fever, cough, fatigue, and chest pain. This infection is caused by inhaling the spores of the fungus that grows in bird droppings.
- Cryptococcosis: another fungal infection that can cause pneumonia and meningitis. This infection is also caused by inhaling the spores of the fungus that grows in bird droppings.
- Psittacosis: a bacterial infection that can cause fever, headache, and muscle aches. This infection is caused by inhaling the bacteria that live in bird droppings, especially in the droppings of parrots, macaws, and cockatiels.
- Salmonellosis: a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. This infection is caused by ingesting Salmonella bacteria that can be present in bird droppings.
- E.coli infection: a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal pain. This infection is caused by ingesting E. coli bacteria that can be present in bird droppings.
- Allergic reactions: bird droppings can cause allergic reactions in some people, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and hives. These reactions are caused by proteins in the droppings that can trigger an immune response in sensitive individuals.
- Asthma: exposure to bird droppings can trigger asthma attacks in people with the condition. This is because the droppings can contain irritants that inflame the airways and make breathing difficult.
- Lung damage: inhaling bird droppings can cause damage to the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and other respiratory problems. This is because the droppings can contain harmful substances that can damage the delicate tissues of the lungs.
- Eye infections: bird droppings can cause eye infections such as conjunctivitis. This is because the droppings can contain bacteria that can infect the eyes.
- Skin irritation: contact with bird droppings can cause skin irritation and rashes. This is because the droppings can contain substances that can irritate the skin.
- Gastrointestinal illness: exposure to bird droppings can lead to gastrointestinal illness, including vomiting and diarrhea. This is because the droppings can contain harmful bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal infections.
Bird and Rodent Dropping Exposure and a Reasonably Safe Work Environment
The hardware store in question is legally obligated to maintain a reasonably safe workplace for its employees, including the individual obliged to clean up bird and rodent droppings. Elements of reasonably protecting this worker’s safety necessitated that the hardware store undertakes the specific steps that include:
- Proper protective equipment: Employers must provide proper protective equipment to employees exposed to workplace hazards. This includes personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and respirators. Inadequate protective equipment can cause serious injuries and illnesses. In this case, the hardware store failed to provide appropriate personal protective equipment for the cleanup task.
- Safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials: Employers must ensure that hazardous materials are properly handled, stored, and disposed of to prevent exposure and contamination. This includes providing training on proper handling techniques and ensuring that employees have access to appropriate safety equipment and procedures. Improper handling and disposal of hazardous materials can cause serious health problems. This is another area in which the hardware store fell short when it came to cleaning up bird and rodent droppings.
- Compliance with health and safety regulations: To maintain a reasonably safe work environment, employers must comply with all relevant health and safety regulations and standards. This includes conducting regular safety inspections, promptly addressing hazards, and providing employees access to safety-related information and resources. Non-compliance with health and safety regulations can result in legal liabilities, fines, and other penalties.
- Proper ventilation: Proper ventilation is necessary to maintain a healthy and safe environment. Employers must ensure that workspaces have proper ventilation systems that maintain a comfortable temperature, remove pollutants, and minimize exposure to hazardous substances.
- Adequate training and information for employees: Employers must provide adequate training and information to employees to ensure that they understand the hazards associated with their work and how to prevent accidents and injuries. In this case, it appears that the worker was provided with no training in regard to the proper cleanup of bird and rodent droppings.
The bottom line is that if this worker were to become ill as a result of exposure to bird or rodent droppings, the hardware store would be exposed to legal liability or responsibility. The worker would be in a position to pursue a worker’s compensation claim or perhaps even a personal injury lawsuit against the hardware store. In addition, the business might face regulatory action and sanctions by agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA.
