DEANS, DIRECTORS, DEPARTMENT AND SECTION CHAIRS

SUBJECT:    AB 1127 Employee Safety Legislation

AB 1127 (Steinberg Employee Safety: violations) was recently signed by Governor Davis to become effective as of January 1, 2000. While this new law does not change the requirements for campus health and safety programs, it does repeal the provision that exempts public educational institutions from paying monetary penalties for occupational safety and health violations. These fines are substantial:

• Non-serious violations can receive a maximum fine of $7,000 per violation.
• Serious violations can receive a maximum fine of $25,000 per violation.
• Willful or repeat violations can be assessed between $5,000 and $70,000.

Examples of non-serious violations that Cal/OSHA can cite us for include failure to provide and document training, aisles and walkways not clear, use of extension cords in lieu of permanent wiring, lack of a departmental Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP), first aid materials not available, and incomplete MSDS files. Types of serious violations may include an ineffective IIPP in place where a hazardous situation has been identified and not corrected, exposed conductors in an electrical panel, non-functioning eyewash/ douse showers, and failure to wear gloves, safety glasses or other personal protective gear while handling chemicals.

This is to alert you that financial liabilities may be assessed against the campus, which will be the responsibility of the unit or department that has caused the citation.

The Office of Environment, Health and Safety is available for consultation and can provide an overall evaluation of your unit's safety program. Please contact me at 43659 or mcdougallm@ucsd.edu, if you need further information.

                                                  Martha M. Mc Dougall
                                                  Director
                                                  Environment, Health and Safety