Justice for Richard J. Daley Center Workers !
Updated October 2024
By Sergio
Janitors at the Richard J. Daley center need our help! The building administrators, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Ray Giderof, Executive Director of The Public Building Commission (PBC), and their contracted janitorial agency, A&R Janitorial, Inc., have been informed of the dangerous working conditions janitors at the Richard J. Daley Center (and possibly other city buildings) are being exposed to, specifically as a result of handling industrial cleaning agents also known as "commercial cleaning chemicals", but have yet to take accountability or effectuate legislation to protect our janitors!Current or former janitors can attest to work conditions that include hard labor and low pay, a type of double-edged sword many "unskilled workers" have come to know all too well. However, it's important to note that just like the rest of us, the janitors at the Richard. J Daley Center are hardworking men and women doing their best to pay taxes and provide for themselves and their families, all while performing an essential job that most Americans wouldn't do for a close to minimum wage salary.To add insult to injury, many of these workers are also unaware that they are constantly being exposed to potentially toxic chemicals at their workplace.
The Richard J. Daley Center
Source: Wikimapia, 2023
Industrial cleaning agents
Janitorial workers across the city use industrial cleaning agents also known as commercial cleaning chemicals while performing common work-related tasks, including carpet cleaning, graffiti removal, floor polishing and general cleaning, often without knowing the exact nature of the chemicals they're handling.The table below provides information including the brand names of common industrial cleaners used in common janitorial tasks, along with pertinent health issues and statistics for each cleaner.
| Cleaner | Brand | Chemical of Concern | Health Issue | Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet Shampoo | Bissell, Hoover | Nonylphenol Ethoxylates | Endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity | Linked to decreased fertility; specific stats vary by region. [1] |
| Graffiti Remover | Krud Kutter, Rust-Oleum | Methylene Chloride | Respiratory issues, skin irritation, potential carcinogen | Associated with 50-100 deaths annually in the U.S. due to misuse. [2] |
| Floor Polish | Bona, Zep | Butoxyethanol | Eye and respiratory irritation, potential liver damage | Long-term exposure linked to anemia; stats on specific morbidity unclear. [3] |
| Disinfectants (e.g., bleach) | Clorox, Lysol, Purell | Sodium Hypochlorite | Respiratory issues, skin burns, potential carcinogenic effects | Chlorine gas exposure can cause 20% mortality in severe cases. [4] |
Chemical descriptions and sources:
Nonylphenol Ethoxylates: Endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive health issues. (Source: Environmental Protection Agency)
Methylene Chloride: Associated with serious respiratory problems; safety data indicates significant risk. (Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Butoxyethanol: Long-term exposure studies suggest health risks, including blood disorders. (Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry)
Sodium Hypochlorite: Known to cause severe health complications; chlorine gas exposure can be fatal. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
But they're using PPE right?
Unlike laboratory workers and technicians, who are typically trained to identify and handle chemicals in the workplace, most janitorial workers, with few exceptions, have access to training, resources or personal protective equipment (PPE) required to perform their jobs safely. The table below provides a few examples of PPE suggested for common janitorial tasks (it's important to note that PPE requirements may differ based on the specific chemical(s) in use, according to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each chemical or product.).
| Task | Suggested PPE |
|---|---|
| Carpet Shampooing | Nitrile gloves, Safety goggles, Respirator (if using high concentrations) |
| Graffiti Removal | Nitrile or latex gloves, Chemical splash goggles, Respirator (especially for methylene chloride) |
| Floor Polishing | Nitrile gloves, Safety goggles, Non-slip footwear |
Description of PPE:
Nitrile Gloves: Provide better chemical resistance compared to latex gloves, especially against solvents and cleaners.
Safety Goggles: Protect eyes from splashes and chemical irritants.
Respirators: Recommended for tasks with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or when using strong solvents to prevent inhalation of harmful vapors.
Non-Slip Footwear: Important for reducing the risk of slips and falls when working with wet surfaces.
Okay, but Isn't it their job to read the MSDS sheets?
In theory, yes. Janitors at the Richard J. Daley Center and nationwide would simply need to get a hold of MSDS information, and try to interpret and implement the jargon typically written by chemists and intended for lab professionals. Immigrant workers who speak English as a second or third language might find this particularly challenging, especially if it wasn't part of the initial job description to be versed in chemical safety (it likely wasn't).
Conclusion
If you are a Janitor or have a family member who is, it is important that you take action to create a safe work environment for yourself or your loved ones. The best way to take action is by writing to your local representative(s), to demand action such as legislation aimed at protecting our janitorial workers. The following resources have been provided to help with this step.Together, we can make sure that janitors across the city have access to the proper training and resources to keep themselves and their workplace safe from potentially dangerous chemical exposure.
Example email:"RE: Chemical exposure concerns at the Richard J. Daley CenterDear Mr. Giderof,I am writing to express concern over the health and safety of our janitors at the Richard J. Daley Center.It has come to my attention that safety concerns have been raised over the use of industrial Cleaning agents, also known as commercial cleaning chemicals. As a registered voter, taxpayer and constituent of the City of Chicago, I implore you to please take proactive steps to ensure that our workers at our public buildings are protected from harmful chemical exposure. These steps may include working with Mayor Brandon Johnson, activists and overseeing public agencies to come up with creative solutions to this deeply-concerning matter.As a mayor-appointed Executive Director Of The Public Building Commission, the safety of these hard-working men and women is in your hands. I look forward to seeing how you will effectuate change.Sincerely,Name: ___________"
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The contents of this page were written and researched by a human with the help of ChatGPT.