First of all, this post is definitely venting, but I am also seeking perspective and advice.
My workplace is in an old building constructed circa 1950 and the bathrooms and hallway ceilings on all floors are being remodeled through the end of the year. The bathrooms, at least, are entering ADA compliance. We received emails describing basic plans and timelines last month, but I didn't think I'd be in a construction zone. I watched roof construction from a window months ago and remembered being glad it wasn't me breathing that dust.
There is perceptible dust coming from the bathrooms that has already caused asthma flareups in a coworker just from sitting at their desk. Personally, I've been working remotely since the demo crew got to my floor because of an upper respiratory infection, so I haven't been in the thick of it. A more recent email last week after work on my floor commenced advised us to close our office doors (my cubicle doesn't have one), but we'd still have to pass nearby the construction to use the elevator and get water.
I want to assume this is all safe and above board, but another floor was sent home, and person #1 on my floor said to ask #2, who said to ask #3… Nobody seems to know or care if a hazard analysis ever addressed asbestos or was performed in the first place, and I don't expect the subcontractors to know. My job is 100% web-based and I just don't need this.
I'd contact HR or Risk Management but don't want to get canned right before a recession. Wondering if there is anything feasible to do beyond independent testing or obtaining a doctor's note.