Health & safety violations uncovered at University of Miami
A health and safety audit at the University of Miami found "...widespread lack of information, training, control measures and protective equipment have put both workers and building occupants at high risk for serious injury and/or illness," according to PRNewswire. SEIU Local 11 commissioned and financed the audit after reports in Boston of similar deficiencies led to an incident that took the life of one worker and left another seriously injured.
The violations are so pervasive and widespread, and the danger to the public and workers so great, that SEIU Local 11 has filed formal charges with OSHA and is calling on the University of Miami to immediately convene an emergency meeting between student representatives, workers, clergy and the union to develop an emergency plan to ensure that the campus and hospital are safe for workers, students and the public.
According to the report, "...a strong, industrial strength metal cleaner [Big K] was being mixed with other chemicals and also sprayed in some locations are serious indicators of a failed program. These are not failures of individuals, but is the failure of UNICCO to have a system to promote an effective health and safety program at the University of Miami facilities."
UNICCO provides janitorial services in several states including Florida, Connecticut, Washington, D.C. and Massachusetts.
The report found that the Lack of effective training and poor compliance with OSHA requirements created a serious hazard in several key areas: