LAKEPORT — The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) issued a report May 17 of violations at the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility.
Five violations were issued in the report in the amount of $1,305 following a Cal/OSHA investigation. The investigation began in March and was finished at the beginning of May.
Three of the five violations have to do with implementing an aerosol transmissible diseases exposure control plan. The report stated the jail did not have an effective plan, which increased employee risk of exposure to aerosol transmissible diseases.
Because there is not a plan in place, two other related violations were levied. One was for a lack of engineering and work practice controls and personal protective equipment. The other was for a lack of employee training related to aerosol transmissible diseases.
Each of these violations was in the amount of $280.
The fourth violation was for water leaks that caused stained ceiling tiles in the control lobby of the women”s section of the jail and the inmate lobby corridor. The report stated water leakage could potentially cause mold to grow. The violation was in the amount of $185.
The fifth violation was regarding the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The report stated required annual inspections of the HVAC system were not performed. The violation was in the amount of $280.
Undersheriff Pat Turturici, who is in charge of the correctional facility, said the aerosol transmissible disease violations were the responsibility of the county Health Services Department.
“They (Health Services) is working on a procedure,” he said. “That”s their responsibility. We”ve also been in contact with Cal/OSHA to put a procedure together.”
He said when he first took charge at the jail that the HVAC systems were in need of major repairs.
“I”m currently replacing some of the systems,” Turturici said. “I”m also changing filters and making sure they work properly.”
He said the water-damaged ceiling tiles have been replaced.
Turturici said he plans to call Cal/OSHA to see if the monetary fines could be reduced or waived.
“I”m still working on that,” he said.
Kevin N. Hume can be reached at kevin.n.hume@gmail.com or call directly 263-5636 ext. 14. Follow on Twitter: @KevinNHume.
