Workplace Covid-19 Cleaning Poses Disability Litigation Risks

An employee sets up two large desk fans and uses them to regularly spray alcohol disinfectant in hopes of keeping her workspace free from Covid-19. However, the strong-smelling sanitizer triggers headaches in a nearby co-worker, who complains.

This dispute occurred between two employees at a Midwest accounting firm, according to Philippe Weiss, president of Seyfarth at Work, a consulting division of management-side law firm Seyfarth Shaw LLP.

The employer ultimately resolved the situation by separating the two employees and providing “low-aroma” cleaning kits to all its workers, Weiss said. But the fight over the fans shows the potential for litigation ...