Q: As a volunteer working at an animal refuge in NYS, do you have any rights when it comes to living conditions and health?
Does OSHA cover volunteers at a non-profit animal refuge in NY? And if not, is there any state or federal law that covers the health and living conditions of volunteers?
The contract that was signed said that I would live on site, but the living conditions are almost worse than the animals'!
A:
You are asking a human habitation or housing question.
Call local building inspectors - whoever inspects or issues building or renovation permits. Is the building zoned residential and does it have CO, certificate of occupancy for human habitation?
Local building inspectors can inspect any facility being occupied by humans for compliance with minimal requirements. Does it meet whatever the minimums are. Higher taxes generally equate to higher standards - not always.
Although building codes have minimal requirements, local towns and cities can impose higher standards thru local ordinances. Then local officials make sure the buildings in its jurisdiction are "up to code."
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