Several workers said they couldn't breathe and felt dizzy.

By Merissa Green
The Ledger
merissa.green@theledger.com

WINTER HAVEN -- Employees at the Winter Haven branch of Polk Works were evacuated Wednesday after complaining about breathing problems.

Winter Haven firefighters were called to the building at 500 E. Lake Howard Drive at 12:50 p.m.

Technicians were working earlier during the day on an air conditioning unit on the second floor of the building. While they were removing ceiling tile, several employees said they couldn't breathe, emergency officials said.

They started to feel dizzy and they didn't feel well enough to drive to the hospital, said Steve Thompson, ACS project leader for Polk Works. Thompson, who was at a conference in Orlando, was communicating with employees at the Winter Haven location when the incident occurred.

"There was an accumulation of dust," he said. "Some of the staff started having respiratory problems." A staff member called EMS.

Winter Haven firefighters and Polk County EMS had the situation under control at 2:32 p.m. As a result of the evacuation, Polk Works closed early.

Two employees were transported to Winter Haven Hospital, while nine were treated by EMS at the scene, said Winter Haven Deputy Fire Chief Chris Humphrey.

Another employee drove to a walk-in clinic, said Joyce Bentley, One Stop officer for Polk Works. One of the three employees who went to either the hospital or a clinic already had an illness, she said.

It is uncertain if the dust caused the reaction, Humphrey said. "There was nothing found," he said. "They (Hazmat team) tested the air for hazardous materials and the test came back clean."

The center will reopen today during normal business hours.

Merissa Green can be reached at merissa.green@theledger.com or 863-401-6968.