Could we refuse to return to the office, with a pest infestation

HurdyGurdy

Since the first stay at home message last March, the vast majority of workers have been working remotely. A core team (which changes week to week) is in the office weekly. A few months ago, a rat was spotted in the part of the office where my colleagues and I work, and was apparently dealt with. 

 I've just been speaking to one of the workers who has been going into the office on a regular basis, who has told me that the office is "full of mice". Literally running around whilst people are working. They have had pest control in "a few times" but they have said it's too expensive, and presumably therefore, won't be paying for any more.

For the time being, the message is to work from home if we can, but at some point, we are going to be asked to go back in. Whether that's a few days a week, or a week at a time on a rota, is yet to be decided. 

Can we refuse to return to the office until the rodent infestation has been fully dealt with? 

richardw

I think the health and safety at work act may cover this https://worksmart.org.uk/health-advice/health-and-safety/employer-duties/what-health-and-safety-work-act

Takeaway_Addict

How are some mice unsafe?

HurdyGurdy

According to Rentokil - https://www.rentokil.ie/mice/are-mice-dangerous/

There are a number of serious illnesses that are associated with mice which spread through direct contact with the mice itself(mouse bites) or coming in contact with their faecal matter and urine samples. The most common way for mice to mark a new territory is by urinating and defecating all over the property. Mouse droppings are a very unhygienic situation for homeowners to be exposed to as it is often contaminated with several serious transmittable diseases.

1. Hantavirus - This disease is often found in the mouse droppings are urine and can be transmitted to humans when they come in contact with either of these substances. This is a respiratory illness can turn very serious in some cases and lead to death.
2. Salmonella - This disease is one of the most common diseases associated with mice and occurs mainly due to cross-contamination that happens when mice go out looking for food in your home. When they come out to raid your cabinets and food supplies they often contaminate anything that they touch or nibble at.
3. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV) -  This rodent-borne viral infection is transmitted primarily through mice. Commonly transmitted after coming in contact with droppings and urine of the infected specimen. Common during winter months this infection can lead to serious neurological problems in humans.
4. Lyme Disease - This serious health condition is not transmitted directly by mice but they have a major role in the spread of this disease. They are transmitted via ticks which mice often carry with them on their skin.
5. Plague - The bubonic plague was one of the most lethal disease to ever hit humanity and mice had a role to play in the spread of this disease. The plague was originally caused by fleas that were carried around by rodents such as mice and rats.

AskAsk

i don't think so and more than likely the statement of mice running around all over the place is an exaggeration.

but if you literally have to fight with a mouse for your desk then i guess you could report your employer to the council health and safety?  or whoever deals with health and safety for businesses.

oh_really

When you return, wear trousers as mice can run up skirts.

motorguy

Mice will be there for a reason - usually food and / or warmth so not a surprise they're in an office.

People being about and ensuring no food at all is left open / available to them should see them retreat.

motorguy

HurdyGurdy said:

According to Rentokil - https://www.rentokil.ie/mice/are-mice-dangerous/

There are a number of serious illnesses that are associated with mice which spread through direct contact with the mice itself(mouse bites) or coming in contact with their faecal matter and urine samples. The most common way for mice to mark a new territory is by urinating and defecating all over the property. Mouse droppings are a very unhygienic situation for homeowners to be exposed to as it is often contaminated with several serious transmittable diseases.

1. Hantavirus - This disease is often found in the mouse droppings are urine and can be transmitted to humans when they come in contact with either of these substances. This is a respiratory illness can turn very serious in some cases and lead to death.
2. Salmonella - This disease is one of the most common diseases associated with mice and occurs mainly due to cross-contamination that happens when mice go out looking for food in your home. When they come out to raid your cabinets and food supplies they often contaminate anything that they touch or nibble at.
3. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCMV) -  This rodent-borne viral infection is transmitted primarily through mice. Commonly transmitted after coming in contact with droppings and urine of the infected specimen. Common during winter months this infection can lead to serious neurological problems in humans.
4. Lyme Disease - This serious health condition is not transmitted directly by mice but they have a major role in the spread of this disease. They are transmitted via ticks which mice often carry with them on their skin.
5. Plague - The bubonic plague was one of the most lethal disease to ever hit humanity and mice had a role to play in the spread of this disease. The plague was originally caused by fleas that were carried around by rodents such as mice and rats.

With respect, is it a surprise that a company providing pest control services are over emphasising the risk?

Marcon

You do seem to have a bit of a thing about mice: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5928766/mice-in-rented-accommodation#latest

Most of the time they co-habit quite harmlessly with humans. Nowadays most offices are full of mice, although they normally come with a computer!

TELLIT01

If there is a problem and the employer refused to act I would suggest the next step is to contact the council Environmental Health department.  I don't know if they only deal with food premises but mice can spread some pretty nasty diseases as has already been mentioned.

It's possible that the problem will diminish or disappear once the office is in full use.

elsien

Rather than relying on possibly unsubstantiated tales from a co-worker, have you raised any concerns with your line manager? 

That seems a better initial option than pressing the nuclear “refuse to go back” button.

Although it seems a tad premature when you don’t know if/when you’ll be back there anyway. 
How much of this is to do with mice, and how much to do with people preferring to work from home, mice or no mice?