Stafford Creek Corrections Center fined more than $80,000 for putting workers at risk during tuberculosis outbreak



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*Stafford Creek Corrections Center fined more than $80,000 for putting workers at risk during tuberculosis outbreak *

Sept. 9, 2022



#22-21



TUMWATER ??The Department of Labor & Industries [ [link removed] ] (L&I) is citing and fining the state Department of Corrections (DOC) $84,400 for failing to follow safety rules to prevent the spread of disease among workers and inmates at Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen.

L&I opened an inspection of the facility in response to complaints during a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak [ [link removed] ] early this year. In April, the Department of Health announced that the state was experiencing its largest TB outbreak in 20 years.

L&I inspectors found workers at the Stafford Creek facility had not received initial or annual fit testing for the N-95 respirators designed to protect them from infection. Regular fit testing ensures that respirators fit tightly and correctly, so they work as intended. L&I provides resources [ [link removed] ] for companies where respirator use is required including training guides, videos, handouts, and sample safety programs. Worn correctly, respirators help protect workers from breathing hazardous air.

An effective respirator program:


* Ensures the right respirator for the hazard,
* Makes sure workers are medically cleared to wear a respirator,
* Conducts fit-testing,
* Trains users on how to wear and properly maintain a respirator, and
* Uses observation and feedback from workers to ensure correct use.

For more information, visit L&I?s Respirator Safety Topic Page [ [link removed] ]. Along with the current citation, the Stafford Creek facility was also cited and fined in Dec. 2021 for not enforcing COVID-19 social distancing and mask procedures for employees.

The DOC has 15 working days to appeal the latest citation, and is required to post a copy for employees. Penalties paid as a result of a citation go into the workers' compensation supplemental pension fund, helping injured workers and families of those who have died on the job.

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*For media information: *Matt Ross <[email protected]>, L&I Public Affairs, 360-706-4857. L&I Newsroom [ [link removed] ]?([link removed]). *Connect with L&I:?*Facebook [ [link removed] ]?(facebook.com/laborandindustries) and?Twitter [ [link removed] ]?(twitter.com/lniwa).

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Washington State Department of Labor & Industries ??7273 Linderson Way SW???Tumwater WA 98501