By Kelsey Reichmann
Managing Editor
UPDATE (10/26; 1:22 a.m.): It was originally reported that all 18 violations were in the NSM Building. Five of the 18 were in other areas of campus. We have altered our original story.
A five-month inspection process by a state regulatory agency involved in workplace safety that ended Oct. 2 found 18 violations in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics Building, facilities, and other areas on campus, that could result in the university being fined more than $80,000, according to an official from the state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).
Frank Polizzi, director of communications for Cal/OSHA, said that even though all but three of the violations were corrected during the inspection process, which began May 15 and concluded Oct. 2, the university could still be fined $80,045.
According to Polizzi, there are two types of Cal/OSHA investigations. One is less serious, which usually involves a letter sent to the employer, in this case, CSUDH; but the investigation that occurred on campus was a serious investigation, he said, which is prompted by a complaint sent to Cal/OSHA and requires on-site inspection.
The university has the right to appeal the report, which was issued Oct. 10, within 15 days from which it was received. If it chooses to not appeal, the fines are due in 15 days.
The investigation process found 18 violations, including 10 serious violations that, according to Cal/Osha’s User’s Guide, means “there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a condition which exists—or from practices, operations or processes at the workplace.”
All but one of the serious violations were addressed during the inspection period. The one not remedied was the lack of training provided to employees about hazardous chemicals present in their work areas. This citation could cost CSUDH $13,500.
An example of one of the nine serious violations addressed, according to the report, a copy of which is posted around the labs on the third floor of the NSM building, was the failure to “implement and maintain an effective injury and illness prevention program.” Though fixed, the university could still pay a fine of $8,435.
Attempts to reach Philip LaPolt, the dean of the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, who was hired in 2016, were unsuccessful by press time. To get the latest updates on this developing story, please visit our digital newspaper at csudhbulletin.com.
