(OLEAN, NEW YORK) – Workers represented by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) who are employed at the Social Security Office in Downtown Olean continue to experience the same medical conditions as they did in late September while at work - strong outbreaks of hives and respiratory issues, a Union Representative says.

“Employees have the ‘same’ medical issues - strong outbreaks of hives and respiratory issues,” AFGE Local 3342 Executive Vice President Shawn Halloran tells The Olean Times Herald.  Local 3342 represents 12 Social Security Workers employed in the Olean Office.  “Our ‘concern’ is for the Employees who have to ‘continue working there every day’ - and, of course, the members of the public who go in there every day,” he said.

The facility in Blue Bird Square on North Union Street closed abruptly on September 22nd for nine days after several Employees developed rashes and hives.  Social Security Officials said none of those affected displayed another other serious conditions.

Officials at Park Centre Development, which owns the building and is headquartered nearby, said those working in offices neighboring the Social Security location have not reported experiencing similar symptoms.

An industrial hygienist went through the Social Security office two days after it closed and took samples to determine what caused the reaction.

The inspection did uncover some minor issues, such as exposed insulation in a utility closet and some excess equipment gathering dust.  In addition, the inspector recommended the office’s heating and cooling system be adjusted to ensure its vents were functioning properly.

Park Centre had the facility thoroughly cleaned before it reopened on October 1st.

“Although we’ve found ‘no identifiable cause’ for these health issues, (the Social Security Administration) is committed to working with GSA (General Services Administration) and the landlord to provide a safe, healthy environment for our Employees and our visitors in Olean,” Social Security Spokesperson John Shallman said.

In the nearly four months since the office reopened, Halloran has received calls almost weekly from Office Employees reporting the recurrence of hives and rashes.  He added that officers with a private firm who provide security at the office have also experienced the same symptoms.

“It seems that there ‘really is’ something in the building,” Halloran said. “When the (Employees) aren’t there, they report nothing, no symptoms or anything.”

Halloran has continued to reach out to Social Security Officials, as well as Republican U.S. Congressman Tom Reed’s Office, about the issue as Employee Reports come in.

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