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Unsafe Federal Office Conditions: What You Can Do

federal employee rights federal workplace safety gsa buildings mindfulness at work unsafe work conditions Sep 10, 2025

As more agencies push employees back into the office full-time, many federal workers are finding that their buildings aren’t ready. Reports of mold, pests, broken elevators, and even Legionella bacteria in water systems at General Services Administration (GSA) sites are surfacing. GSA acknowledges these issues, but backlogs mean fixes may not come quickly. For employees, these aren’t abstract problems—they directly affect your health and safety.

Step One: Document Everything

The most effective first step is thorough documentation. Note the date, time, and location of any unsafe condition you observe. Include photos if your agency allows them and list names of coworkers who witnessed the issue. Treat this like building a record for a case file: facts, not feelings, will carry weight if management or investigators review the matter.

Step Two: Report Through Official Channels

Every federal agency has a process for reporting safety and facilities concerns. Use it. Submitting your report by email creates a paper trail—proof that you raised the issue responsibly. If the concern involves something that directly impacts daily operations, such as an elevator outage or water contamination, copy your supervisor so there is no ambiguity.

Step Three: Request Accommodations if Needed

If you have a medical condition such as asthma, mobility limitations, or an immune deficiency, you can request a temporary accommodation. This may mean telework, reassignment to a different worksite, or moving to another floor. Keep your request simple and factual, and attach a note from your provider if available. Written requests are harder to ignore and can be key in enforcing your rights.

Step Four: Engage Your Union and Protect Your Position

Unionized employees should contact their representatives early. Unions can press management for interim protections and timelines while repairs are underway. And if your supervisor insists that you work in an unsafe space, respond respectfully in writing: “I am ready to work. Here is what I observed. I reported it on [date]. What safe alternative do you recommend while remediation is in progress?” This approach shows cooperation while underscoring your safety concerns.

Managing the Stress

It’s normal to feel anxious or frustrated when walking into an office that feels hazardous. You’ve dedicated years to public service, and safe conditions are not a privilege—they’re a basic right. By documenting, reporting, and requesting reasonable accommodations, you transform isolated complaints into actionable patterns that agencies must address.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While I am a federal employment attorney, this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and legal outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances.

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