Understanding Sick Building Syndrome in Australia: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

In Australia, employers have a legal obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 to protect employees from workplace hazards and maintain a safe working environment. This includes providing effective ventilation to safeguard air quality and reduce the likelihood of staff developing health issues related to sick building syndrome (SBS).

This guide is designed to help you create a compliant workspace that can help enhance employee well-being. By the end, you will have a detailed understanding of what causes SBS, its symptoms, and practical measures you can take to prevent it from impacting your workplace.

What Is Sick Building Syndrome?

Sick building syndrome is a condition where a building’s occupants become unwell and experience a range of health symptoms that are linked to time spent in a particular building. 

Although it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint contributing factors, SBS is normally related to inadequate ventilation and poor indoor air quality. Additionally, the presence of indoor pollutants, such as chemical and biological contaminants, is often the underlying cause.

In commercial and industrial spaces, SBS can affect comfort, occupational health, and overall business productivity, making it a growing concern for many employers and building owners throughout Australia.

Recognising Sick Building Syndrome Symptoms

People suffering from sick building syndrome may report a range of vague and varied symptoms. For early intervention, you must be able to identify health symptoms that may be an indication of SBS in your workplace. Some of the most common SBS symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Chest tightness
• Flu-like symptoms
• Irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat
• Skin irritation and rashes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Nausea
• Dry or itchy skin

If symptoms worsen while the person is inside the building and improve upon leaving, it may indicate an environmental problem in a particular building or room.

SBS symptoms may evolve into a more serious building-related illness, such as a chronic respiratory condition. Australian Family Physician data shows that 15% of adult-onset asthma cases are caused by workplace conditions.   

If you or your employee are experiencing any SBS symptoms, the best course of action is always to seek advice from a qualified medical professional. 

What Causes Sick Building Syndrome?

A wide range of contributing factors has been identified as causes of sick building syndrome. Some of the most common factors include:

• Ventilation that fails to provide enough fresh air and remove indoor contaminants
• Emissions from building materials, such as particleboard or synthetic carpets and furnishings
• Air conditioning systems that are poorly maintained or distribute indoor air pollutants
• Chemical contaminants released by equipment and cleaning agents, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Biological agents such as mould, bacteria, and dust mites
• Indoor temperature extremes, high humidity, or inadequate temperature control
• Noise pollution and poor lighting
• Pollutants from the surrounding environment, such as motor vehicle exhaust fumes, can increase carbon monoxide levels

When these elements combine, the result can be a toxic mix of contaminants and poor air exchange that negatively affects your workplace’s indoor air quality.

The Impact of Sick Building Syndrome on Different Businesses

SBS is a condition that can affect any indoor workplace, regardless of industry. From employee well-being to operational costs, the consequences of SBS can ripple across every part of an organisation. Recognising how SBS affects different types of businesses is the first step toward creating safer, more productive workplaces.

Sick Building Syndrome and Industrial Businesses

Industrial facilities, such as factories, warehouses, and processing plants, are especially vulnerable to SBS due to the nature of their operations. 

Industrial environments often contain high volumes of equipment, machinery, and materials that produce heat, chemicals, and fumes. Without adequate ventilation, these airborne pollutants accumulate quickly, contributing to poor indoor air quality.

Industrial facilities often rely on fire and smoke vents to detect and remove fumes and airborne pollutants. Additionally, rotary roof vents and louvre doors can be used to increase airflow and remove contaminants from the building. 

Sick Building Syndrome and Commercial Business

It may be tempting to assume that sick building syndrome is primarily a problem experienced in industrial workplaces where heavy-duty work is performed. However, offices, shops, and even healthcare facilities can be prone to sick building syndrome, too.

In commercial businesses, factors like poor ventilation, synthetic building materials, and sealed windows can all contribute to a buildup of indoor air pollutants.

Commercial businesses can reduce the risks of SBS by implementing ventilation systems. Fixed louvres and rotary vents are a great way to boost airflow and reduce excess heat, improving the safety of employees. 

The Business Impact of Sick Building Syndrome   

Regardless of industry, the impact of sick building syndrome on a business can be wide-ranging and costly. Left unaddressed, SBS can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced staff morale, and a loss of productivity. 

Frequent sick leave and staff having to work with symptoms like headaches or fatigue can lead to a dip in focus and delay the delivery of projects.

Over time, this reduction in performance may result in significant operational inefficiencies and increased business costs. Perhaps a workforce’s most important ability is availability, which means creating a healthy, well-ventilated environment is paramount.

Ventilation Compliance Guidelines for Australian Employers

For businesses in Australia, ensuring acceptable indoor air quality is about more than just comfort. It is necessary to align with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and comply with Australian workplace law.

Under these guidelines, all Australian employers have a legal duty of care to provide a safe and healthy environment for employees. This includes having ventilation systems that serve to control air pollutants and maintain healthy standards of indoor air quality.

Additionally, employers, building owners, and building managers must be proactive in identifying hazards and responding to complaints about air quality. This means they must take reasonable steps to prevent and mitigate the risks associated with poor ventilation and SBS. Failure to meet these standards could lead to legal proceedings and costly penalties.

How to Prevent Sick Building Syndrome

There are no cookie-cutter solutions when it comes to preventing sick building syndrome. Creating a healthy indoor environment often requires a combination of good ventilation design, regular system maintenance, and making sure your staff are aware of SBS symptoms.  

Some key steps in this process include:

1. Improve Ventilation

Ensuring your building has a properly designed and maintained ventilation system is the most effective way to prevent SBS. At Airocle, we specialise in natural ventilation systems that maximise fresh air intake, reduce dependency on air conditioning, and keep indoor air moving through a well-ventilated building.

2. Monitor and Maintain Air Systems

Regular maintenance of HVAC systems, air conditioning units, and air filters is essential to prevent the spread of dust, indoor air pollutants, and biological growth such as mould. Filtration systems should be inspected and replaced regularly.

3. Use Low-Emission Materials

Opt for natural materials and furnishings that emit fewer chemicals. Reducing the use of VOCs from paints, adhesives, and synthetic building components helps improve air quality and reduces the chemical contamination of your workspace.

4. Control Humidity and Temperature

Proper temperature and humidity control reduce the risk of indoor mould and airborne diseases that thrive in warm, damp conditions. A well-balanced ventilation system helps avoid extremes in indoor temperature and humidity.

5. Increase Awareness

Educate employees about sick building syndrome symptoms and encourage open communication about workplace comfort and any health concerns. Put reporting mechanisms in place and be sure to follow up on any problems identified. Early intervention can prevent minor complaints from becoming bigger issues.

6. Incorporate Natural Design Principles

Introducing natural light and more access to outdoor air sources can support a healthier, more productive working environment. Introducing more natural airflow can also reduce reliance on mechanical systems, which tend to be more costly and time-consuming to maintain.

From Sick to a Naturally Healthy Building with Airocle 

At Airocle, we take a comprehensive approach to preventing sick building issues. For over 100 years, we have provided high-performance natural ventilation systems that can help turn a workplace into an environment where everybody feels comfortable, safe, and supported to perform their best work.

If you are concerned about sick building syndrome in your business, being proactive is always the best response. Airocle can assess your current setup, identify risks, and design a customised natural ventilation system that ensures compliance and employee well-being.

Book a free consultation with one of our ventilation experts today and take that all-important first step towards a more productive and naturally healthy workplace.