>>3367743I don't know what's up with the mercury in the wastestream, but your concusion sounds reasonable.
if you're sweeping, and the mercury was on the floor you and everyone around you has likely been poisoned.
this is ultimately GE's responsibility to let their contractors know, and make sure they take the necessary measures including training and PPE. However the contractor is also responsible to monitor their own workspace and you are responsible for reporting unsafe work conditions to your boss and to OSHA if your boss doesn't protect you.
If they ask you to dump your mop water somewhere else you can consider it a confession.
As I said, ask your boss for information, then ask GE what happened and what's being done... they have to have a safety officer you can ask. If you don't get anywhere, call OSHA, ask for an investigation of the plant and the contractor you work for. Talk to a lawyer that specialized in workman's comp claims, this is a potential gold mine for them, they'll help you for free if a problem exists. Get another job, either for your own sake, or because once OSHA and your lawer get done with this your boss will be bankrupt.