Other health problems complained of include nose, eyes and throat discomfort, headaches, poor concentration, a dry cough, fatigue, muscle aches and dry or itchy skin.

When asked to rate their health before moving to the office, 84 per cent of respondents said it had been significantly better.

Ninety per cent of respondents said that the health problems they experience in their workspace improve once they leave the office.

The survey was conducted after members reported concerns of bad air quality at the McMahons Point office in Sydney. Most of the employees surveyed are based on the first floor, however employees from other floors also completed the survey.

Less than 50 per cent of the employees were aware that the OHS Committee has been discussing the issue of the poor air-conditioning system for some time. Only 26 per cent of employees have had access to previous OHS reports made on the issue.

Management is aware of the problem with the air conditioning system and has asked the owner of the building to install appropriate ventilation on numerous occasions – all to no effect. Despite management’s best intentions, this issue has existed since the company moved into the office space in 2004.

The types of symptoms that employees are experiencing point to “sick building syndrome” where building occupants experience acute health problems and discomfort that appears to be linked to time spent in a building. Further tests would need to be carried out in the office to confirm if this is the case at Pacific Magazines.

The Alliance has written to management a second time to request access to previous OHS reports made on this issue and to establish how management intends to deal with this problem.