American Federation of

Government Employees

Council of Prison Locals

Occupational Health and Safety/OWCP National Representative

Joe Mansour

Todd Bull, President

Local 709 - FCI Englewood

Attached is the report from the inspection that was conducted at FCI Englewood, CO on November 19, 2014. I have listed numerous violations that in my opinion could result in injuries.

I believe that one of the serious problems that face this institution is thelack of enforcement by the Safety office. The rules, laws and policies that ensure our staff’s safety are not being followed or enforced.

1. Background and Introduction

Per the request of Mr. Todd Bull, President Local 709, I visited the Correctional Facility on November 19, 2014. I performed a limited review consisting of a visual inspection. The inspection was limited to the areas listed below.

2. Visual Observations

The interior of the subject property appeared to be in excellent condition. An inspection of affected areas revealed the following:

A-  potential presence ofAsbestosin violation of

29 CFR 1910.1001. The agency is taking positive steps to address the Asbestos concern.

B-  At the entrance of lower west unit , the metal floor has corrosion that resulted in a 4 inch diameter gap, creating a trip hazard in violation of CFR 1910, Subparts D and I, WALKING WORKING SURFACES AND PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS (1910) (SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALL PREVENTION).

C-  The roof access at the Federal Detention (Jail) is extremely difficult to access for staff. Staff are required to open the hatch while on the ladder and have to hold on with one hand generating a risk for a 10 foot fall. This is a violation of OSHA’s requirement 29 CFR 1926.451 Subpart L

General Requirements
These rules specify when employers must provide stairways and ladders. In general, the standards require the following:

§  When there is a break in elevation of 19 inches (48 cm) or more and no ramp, runway, embankment or personnel hoist is available, employers must provide a stairway or ladder at all worker points of access.

§  When there is only one point of access between levels, employers must keep it clear of obstacles to permit free passage by workers. If free passage becomes restricted, employers must provide a second point of access and ensure that workers use it.

§  When there are more than two points of access between levels, employers must ensure that at least one point of access remains clear. Employers must install all stairway and ladder fall protection systems required by these rules and ensure that their worksite meets all requirements of the stairway and ladder rules before employees use stairways or ladders. See 29 CFR 1926.1050-1060 for the details of the standard

D-  the employer did not assess the workplace to determine

if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE): On or about 11/19/14, and at times prior thereto, it was noted that the

Employer inadequately assessed hazards associated with grinding and polishing of concrete slabs in Food Service. Specifically, employees were and continue to be exposed to hazards associated with respirable Silica dust (a carcinogen) and noise generated by grinding operations in violations of 29 CFR 1910.132(d) (l):

The employer must test the air quality and the noise level.

E-  The employer at FCI Englewood did not provide training to each employee who is required by this section to use personal protective equipment: employees overseeing

concrete grinding and polishing operations are required to wear personal protective gear such as, but not limited to, eye protection and dust masks as specified by the employer's written job hazard assessment. Employees did not receive training required by this section in violations of 29 CFR 1910.132(f)(l)

Closeout recommendation: The employer must immediately stop the gridding operation until the above laws and CFR are complied with. Please see D and E.

In the event that the items listed above are not corrected within 30 days, this writer recommends an immediate notification of the Regional Vice President for the union, the Bureau Regional Director and potentially OSHA if needed.

End of Report.

Joe Mansour
Occupational Health and Safety/OWCP National Representative
AFGE/Council of Prison Locals #33
(425) 772-9424 Cell

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