The call came during a breakthrough bargaining session on August 10 where employees and allies pressed the County for proper safety equipment.
“Many of your officers go into dangerous situations. They need boots and safety equipment,” said Carson Councilman Mike Gipson, whose city contracts with LA County for animal care services. Carson provides head-to-toe uniforms for its own work force.
Call to Report Injuries Due to Safety Equipment Failure
Animal control officers told the County that providing boots is a low-cost solution that will improve animal care for LA County and reduce the risk of injury and unnecessary worker’s comp claims.
The department refuses to disclose the number of worker’s comp cases due to its failure to provide safety equipment. If you have a story to share call Eloy Alvarez at 213-321-2531.
What We’ve Done for Animal Safety
> Filed complaints with Cal-OSHA over violations of state law
> Pressed a safety grievance with the department. The department said we should raise this issue during contract negotiations.
> Won support from Supervisors Antonovich, Molina and Ridley-Thomas