There is a large spider above my work desk, does my employer have any obligation to get rid of it for me or move me?

Question

There is a large black spider located above my desk location. I am terribly afraid of spiders, to the point where I can't work without being afraid of it jumping down and if I lose sight of it then I am definitely unable to stay at this desk.

Does the employer have an obligation to get rid of it for me or to make my area of work free of such creatures? If not, what is the way to go about it?

I can't kill it myself as I am likely to scream and/or drop the hoover onto my laptop or screen. It is an open office.

My question - who to ask, how to ask and on what basis?

Answer 1

In the most of the (civilized) world, it is in the obligation of the employer to provide a clean and safe work environment. I assume that most companies by default take care of daily cleaning the floors and the bathrooms, and periodically the windows.

However, some "small, occasional inconveniences" cannot be caught by these routine activities.

In this case, you have two choices:

1. Deal with the problem yourself, if you want to and if it is in your abilities.
2. Ask a colleague to do that for you, if anyone wants and has the abilities.
3. Tell the employer (through the dedicated department / person) about the problem and ask them to take care of it.

Such occasional problems include:

• the removal of a spider web;
• replacing a non-functioning light fixture;
• making adjustments to a window, for a proper thermal insulation;
• anything else.

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or move me?

It is extremely unlikely that the company would keep the spider web safe by finding you another work place. Unfortunately, it is almost certain that a certain spider will become homeless. Even worse: lifeless - depending on its luck.

Answer 2

Can't you just ask a colleague to move the spider?

Answer 3

Your should first try with a colleague:

Hey there is an spider in my desk what I do?

Either he help you get rid of the arachnid or suggest what should be the next action. Maybe point you to the Janitor or another colleague with more arachnid handling skills.

If neither of you know what to do then you should ask your boss.

In my case I have handle a few spider myself, just a piece of paper and then put it outside the window.

Also have to handle a bird invasor, that is more difficult you have to open all the windows and try to scare it from the other direction.

I also can change the water bottle if need and once I use a fire extinguisher in a computer with faulty fans. ( I still think I deserve one month in the calendar for that)

But my limit was a snake coming from a 10 meters high roof. In that case we had to call for the building maintenance crew, but not because I was scare of snakes (well maybe a litle) but because was too high to reach and we need some ladders.