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No water in bathroom(s)
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No water in bathroom(s)
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My office is located in NY and there's been no water since the start of the work day in either of the bathrooms. There are no other facilities that any of the employees can use for the rest of the day
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Forums » Topic Forums » Legal Forum » No water in bathroom(s)
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No water in bathroom(s)
posted at 3/22/2010 7:50 AM EDT
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Posts: 14
First: 6/12/2008 Last: 3/22/2010 |
My office is located in NY and there's been no water since the start of the work day in either of the bathrooms. There are no other facilities that any of the employees can use for the rest of the day nor, are there any other arrangements the company has made with other businesses as most of the business around are located in this shared office building, or are small deli's and retail stores on the street.
Should the office under a law or regulation be closed for the remainder of the day or until the water is turned back on and working? If so, where would I find this information or can one provide a link etc..? Any help would be greatly appreiciated. Thank you in advance Should the office close? |
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No water in bathroom(s)
posted at 3/22/2010 8:59 AM EDT
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Posts: 57
First: 6/16/2006 Last: 7/20/2010 |
Not sure about a law regulating having water and facilities...but how about common sense! Where do you expect employees to use the rest room? If this was the result of an accident and out of your control, your business should check with business near-by to coordinate use of facilities. |
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No water in bathroom(s)
posted at 3/22/2010 9:22 AM EDT
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Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006 Last: 9/14/2011 |
I would try to provide the employees with a few different choices, but I would not close the office because of it. Especially if there are other bathrooms nearby in the retail center/restaurants that are for the public.
I'd have a different answer if this were a reoccurring or ongoing problem. But one day? I don't see where the office should be closed and the entire workforce be non-productive for the day. The only exception I can see is for employees with medical needs .... such as a qualifying ADA disability or pregnancy. Things happen that the employer may not have direct control over. (About to rant here, so quit reading if you don't want to hear it.... I have to wonder when we became the society that the employer must solve all issues for their employees? How hard would it be for the employee find a bathroom nearby? Doesn't sound like it would be based on the original posting....) |
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No water in bathroom(s)
posted at 3/22/2010 9:23 AM EDT
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Posts: 14
First: 6/12/2008 Last: 3/22/2010 |
Not something under our control. I'm going back and forth with management to try and do the right thing however, they seem to not want to move on the issue and let employees go home.
There are no other businesses within the area that can accomodate us with open facility use. |
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No water in bathroom(s)
posted at 3/22/2010 9:23 AM EDT
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Posts: 14
First: 6/12/2008 Last: 3/22/2010 |
Not something under our control. I'm going back and forth with management to try and do the right thing however, they seem to not want to move on the issue and let employees go home.
There are no other businesses within the area that can accomodate us with open facility use. |
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No water in bathroom(s)
posted at 3/22/2010 9:27 AM EDT
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Posts: 14
First: 6/12/2008 Last: 3/22/2010 |
I've checked with the local businesses in the area and they've stated that they don't want the foot traffic in and out.
As far as public restrooms there aren't any available, the employee would have to go a minimum 5 or 6 blocks to the nearest public facility. |
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No water in bathroom(s)
posted at 3/22/2010 9:35 AM EDT
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Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006 Last: 9/14/2011 |
Have you checked with the property manager of the shared office building? They might have some type of solution, especially if it is their issue. They might have an "in" to another tenant that you would not.
That said, I still wouldn't dismiss the office for the rest of the day. I would however allow employees plenty of break time to be able to leave and come back once or twice without any problems. If they have to drive to a restroom, I would even suggest carpooling as a group. Heck around here, we would just take an ice cream break..or pick up a cookie or a slice of cake at the deli....and being a good employer would pay for it too! But that would still be less expensive than a 100% nonproductive time period. Again this may not be the ideal solution for someone with a disability or medical condition, but to me it would be a reasonable accommodation for all employees. |
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