Washington Hotel Cited for Multiple Violations
The citations were identified during two inspections that began in August. Four of the infractions are "repeat-serious" violations because the same violations were found during a July 2013 inspection.
The Chehalis Inn & Suites in Lewis County, Wash., has been fined $97,810 and been cited for a total of 31 worker safety and health violations by the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). The alleged violations include exposing employees to infectious diseases, corrosive chemical,s and carcinogenic asbestos, according to L&I.
The citations were identified during two inspections that began in August. Four of the infractions are "repeat-serious" violations because the same violations were found during a July 2013 inspection -- including three repeat-serious violations for potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens from hypodermic needles or other infectious material, according to L&I, which reported the fourth repeat-serious violation involved the lack of an emergency eyewash unit and training for employees who work with corrosive cleaning products and pool chemicals.
L&I cited the facility for 11 serious violations for asbestos exposure during renovation work at the hotel and its personnel discovered 16 other serious and general violations, including an unstable second-floor walkway with damaged railing and rotted areas that exposed workers to the possibility of a fall; exposed wires; improperly grounded electrical equipment and other electrical hazards. The hotel was not holding monthly safety meetings for workers, failed to log work-related injuries and illnesses, and did not ensure workers were trained to use a portable fire extinguisher.