Saturday, March 7, 2015

9 FIREFIGHTERS TEST POSITIVE FOR MOLD ...AND THE BATTLE OVER "TAKING CARE" OF FIREFIGHTERS CONTINUES AS THEY ARE DENIED WORKERS COMPENSATION.





SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015  

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
 
9 Firefighters in Indian River County (Florida) have tested positive for exposure to toxic mold, which could be inside their fire stations, according to The Indian River County Firefighters Union.

The union received the test results this week.

Union President, John O'Connor, says the union is now pressing the county to more thoroughly inspect the stations for mold and to correct the problem.
O'Connor says firefighters at three stations tested positive.

"It indicates that there's a major problem and we have to fix it sooner than later," said O'Connor.

This comes after two firefighters tested positive for toxic mold exposure earlier this year. O'Connor says seven more tests were ordered after those first two came back positive.

He says this helps build the union's case that it is no coincidence the tests are coming back positive, but that there is mold in the fire houses.

County leaders have argued that there is no proof the mold exposure is coming from the fire stations. County administrator Joseph Baird says the exposure could be at their homes or other areas.

CHD Baird says four different fire stations were inspected for mold late last year. Those inspections did reveal "suspect visible mold", but the possible mold was not collected or tested to be confirmed.

Baird said other inspections will be done, but did not detail to what extent.
"They've cited it in all the reports and they refuse to acknowledge it," O'Connor said.

O'Connor is one of the people who tested positive. He wants the county to do a more thorough inspection to make sure firefighters are safe at work.

"It's almost impossible to not go into the station at any length of time. We live there. Every third day it's part of our life," O'Connor said.

"How many more test results do I need to show there is a problem?"
O'Connor says the union is awaiting the results of two more tests.

Baird said the county could consider inspecting firefighters houses for mold.
Two firefighters have been denied workers compensation. The other seven are still waiting to hear if they will receive compensation.

An impasse hearing is scheduled March 20 where the county and union will address this issue.

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