Let me point out that JCHAS =E2=80=93 which everyone on this list receives or has access to =E2=80=93 has already had several editorials and opinions on the UCLA incident.=C2=A0 The next issue, which is being finalized as I write, will have more information =E2=80=93 you will be receiving it in the next 4-6 weeks.

 

From a factual basis, Ms. Sangji was an employee =E2=80=93 that is not contested.=C2=A0 Please go to C&EN online and review Jyllian Kemsley=E2=80=99s excellent reporting (latest 7 May 09).=C2=A0 Also, Kim Christensen at the LA Times has done a superb job of investigative work (latest 5 May 09).=C2=A0 They both deserve recognition.

 

Before we speculate, please review the facts.=C2=A0 At this time, there is a lot known, but there is even more to learn.

 

If we are going to change the attitude toward safety in academic settings, then the system needs some major revisions =E2=80=93 and part of that must start with the ACS governing Board and Council.=C2=A0 It also must come from funding agencies and from Provosts and Chancellors.=C2=A0 PIs must be held accountable for safety and environmental compliance where it is meaningful =E2=80=93 that is peer recognition, funding and research space.

 

nl

 

 

-------------- Original message from List Moderator <ecgrants**At_Symbol_Here**UVM.EDU>: --------------

> From: Robert Alaimo
> Date: May 8, 2009 11:55:50 AM EDT (CA)
> Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] UCLA Incident - OSHA Lab Standard
>
>
> The OHSA LabStandard does apply to the "Laboratory Employees" of
> colleges, not the students. This Lab was likely covered by the CalOHSA
> equivalent of the Lab Standard.
>
> Bob Alaimo
>
> ===
>
> From: "Ben Ruekberg"
> Date: May 8, 2009 11:46:21 AM EDT (CA)
> Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] CalOSHA & UCLA
>
> Carl Zipfel's assessment aside, all too often "What the law does not
> require, logic will not inspire."
>
> ===
> From: "Debbie M. Decker"
> Date: May 8, 2009 1:02:39 PM EDT (CA)
> To: chas list
> Subject: RE: [DCHAS-L] UCLA Incident - OSHA Lab Standard
>
>
> Cal/OSHA has incorporated the Federal Lab Standard, essentially word
> for word, into the California OSHA code. In the UCLA citation, the
> Lab Standard was one of the regulations for which they were cited.
>
> California also has the Injury and Illness Prevention Program,
> requiring employers to provide safety information to their employees,
> etc. etc. Many more workplaces are cited under IIPP than under the
> Lab Standard. It=E2=80=99s frustrating that regulation isn=E2=80=99t used to
> better effect.
>
> Debbie
> --------------------
> Debbie M. Decker, Campus Chemical Safety Officer
> Environmental Health and Safety
> University of California, Davis
> 1 Shields Ave.
> Davis, CA 95616
> (530)754-7964/(530)752-4527 (FAX)
> dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu
> Co-Conspirator to Make the World A
> Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicStories.com and join the conspiracy
>
> ===
> From: kauletta**At_Symbol_Here**notes.cc.sunysb.edu
> Date: May 8, 2009 11:15:52 AM EDT (CA)
> Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] UCLA Incident - OSHA Lab Standard
>
> The fed OSHA regulations apply to private employers & federal
> workplaces. Our univ. is a state university, but most of our lab
> workers are paid not as state employees, but as "research foundation"
> employees. RF is a private entity & OSHA applies. We also have NYS
> PESH to cover the state workers & PESH has adopted the fed regs.
>
> Kim Auletta
> Lab Safety Specialist
> EH&S Z=6200
> Stony Brook University
> kauletta**At_Symbol_Here**notes.cc.sunysb.edu
> 631-632-3032
> EH&S Web site: http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/lab/
>
> Remember to wash your hands!