Part of the cost was borne by the departments cited: Unitrans, a research lab, the Department of Art and Art History and Facilities Services. An inspection in 1994 by the California Environmental Protection Agency's Department of Toxic Substance Control found a number of problems, resulting in a $65,000 fine to the campus. "Departments now have a direct contact whom they know," Jacobsen says.īut departments, such as art and facilities services, also get credit for making changes. Although specialists are still available for particular problems, departments have their own advisers who can assist with the variety of safety problems that might occur with hazardous wastes, radiological materials, biological materials, occupational hazards and other situations that might cause accidents. ![]() ![]() Two years ago, Environmental Health and Safety started cross-training its safety advisers. In addition, the Environmental Health and Safety Office recently reorganized itself to make it easier for departments to get help. However, the few citations that have been issued in the past decade have triggered major changes in the system, according to Fred Jacobsen, campus health and safety officer. As proof of the good record, she points to the fact that, for the second time in three years, the campus received no deficiencies during a radiation safety audit from the state Department of Health Services, Radiologic Health Branch, when it visited in December. UC Davis has received few OSHA safety citations in the past decade - only seven in 20 visits over the past eight years, McNeal reports. The new law shouldn't create a problem for the university, Schlesinger predicts. "The good news for campuses in the UC system is that they have all retained health and safety professionals and are running good programs," he says. The University of California is regulated by about a dozen state and another dozen federal agencies, most of which already issue monetary fines, says Pat Schlesinger, the university counsel specializing in environmental regulatory matters. "Folks need to understand their responsibilities and be aware of the fact that not paying attention could cost them money," says Julie McNeal, director of the campus Office of Environmental Health and Safety. 1, the university and other public agencies are no longer exempt from paying penalties for state Division of Occupational Safety and Health violations. Under the provisions of Assembly Bill 1127, which became law Jan. In fact, this idea that workplace safety is everyone's individual responsibility has become the major weapon in the battle to keep the campus community safe.Ī new state law has just given departments a little more financial incentive - the threat of fines up to $7,000 for non-serious violations and $25,000 for serious violations - to keep up the good work. Even if they happen to miss the signs, they hear about the safety rules consistently in classes and from Katzdorn. Thanks to Katzdorn's vigilance, safety is on the conscience of each student, faculty and staff artist. And each room is posted with signs reminding people that the department risks $500 fines if someone forgets to replace a lid. If you take a tour of the department with safety coordinator Linda Katzdorn, you will find that the waste containers in each classroom are labeled and standing in plastic wash bins, just in case of leaks. ![]() ![]() You can't open the door to the art department's sculpture room without seeing the harvest-gold sign sternly admonishing "No spraying of harmful vapors, paints or fixatives."
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