Union Conducts Health and Safety Walk-Throughs at LA County CSSD Division Sites

Union members working in the Los Angeles County Child Support Services Department have rightfully insisted that the department provide a safe working environment by following all COVID-19 protocols during this pandemic.

Their concerns prompted our union to conduct an independent Health and Safety Walk-Through at all CSSD worksites.

Here’s what we found – and what we did.

DIVISION 1 (Shared space with four other departments)

Standards the Department Achieved

• The lobby is currently closed until further notice.
• Sneeze guards are present at lobby cubicles.
• Every other cubicle in the lobby will be used once reopening occurs.
• Cubicles in the work floor have an additional height barrier at workstations.
• Limited staff will be present in the work floor through staggered schedules.
• Throughout the work floor, COVID-19 signage is visible in restrooms, on elevators, in the lobby, in the kitchen and in the work floor.
• Day porters were visibly cleaning during the walkthrough in the work floor.

Items the Departments Must Correct

• There is no signage at shared office equipment in the work floor.
• In the work floor, there was no time limit signage (break/lunchroom) and no signage about social distancing.
• First Aid kits were sparse and have not been checked/refilled since March 2020.

Our union ensured that the office received PPE – including wipes, masks, personal size hand sanitizer as well as commercial size sanitizer (supplies were available). And mail staff must use gloves, which our union provided.

DIVISION 2 (Also includes Headquarters)

Standards the Department Achieved

• TV monitors have been placed on each floor with updates on COVID-19 information.
• Social distancing was observed.
• Masks are properly worn by all staff.
• The “20% population” limit is being honored.

Items the Departments Must Correct

• Sanitizers must be made available by the copy/fax machines, in bathrooms, in lunchrooms and outside of the elevators.
• First Aid kits – with comprehensive inspections done by the department – must be updated with the appropriate necessary medical supply.
• Interview areas must have appropriate glass dividers between staff and clients.

Our union ensured that sanitizers and hand wipes were ordered for all divisions and that First Aid kits will be restocked with all necessary medical supplies ASAP.

DIVISION 3

Standards the Department Achieved

• Fire extinguishers were accessible and inspected on time.
• Signs detailing COVID-19 information have been placed throughout the building.
• Social distancing was observed.
• Masks are properly worn by all staff.
• The number of employees were reduced properly in each section of the building.

Items the Departments Must Correct

• Plexiglass must be installed at the front desk on the 1st Floor as well as between cubicles on the 1st and 2nd Floors.
• Sanitizers must be supplied by the copy/fax machines, in the bathrooms, in the lunchrooms and outside of the elevators.
• First Aid kits – with comprehensive inspections done by the department – must be updated with the appropriate necessary medical supply.

Our union ensured that plexiglass and PPE orders were placed immediately.

DIVISION 4

Standards the Department Achieved

• Cubicle locations are fine if alternating seating is every other cubicle.
• Division 4 is operating at 20% staff daily.

Items the Departments Must Correct

• Minus alternating seating, plexiglass would be required at all cubicles.
• All photocopiers will require the proper PPE, which includes sanitizing spray and wipes as well as a plastic covering over all copiers.
• Once open to the public, the interview area once will require plexiglass separators at each booth and PPE shall be provided in this area.
• The Security Station will require plexiglass.
• Additional signage throughout the building is needed reminding staff of the 6-foot rule regarding social distancing.
• In the lunchroom, additional chairs shall be removed immediately with only one chair per table. Additional signage in the lunchroom is required.

Our union will ensure that these matters are handled.

NOTE: For Division 4, a Building Engineer report has been requested examining the building air filtration systems. The report is expected to evaluate the type of filters in the building; the change of filter date; the overall service date; and the responsible party servicing systems.

DIVISION 5

Standards the Department Achieved

• Cubicle locations are fine if alternating seating is every other cubicle.
• Division 5 is operating at 20% staff daily.

Items the Departments Must Correct

• Minus alternating seating, plexiglass would be required at all cubicles.
• All photocopiers will require the proper PPE, which includes sanitizing spray and wipes as well as a plastic covering over all copiers.
• Once open to the public, the interview area will require plexiglass separators at each booth and PPE shall be provided in this area.
• The Security Station will require plexiglass.
• Additional signage throughout the building is needed reminding staff of the 6-foot rule regarding social distancing.
• In the lunchroom, additional chairs shall be removed immediately with only one chair per table. Additional signage in the lunchroom is required.

Our union will ensure that these obligations are fulfilled.

NOTE: Also for Division 5, a Building Engineer report has been requested examining the building air filtration systems. The report is expected to evaluate the type of filters in the building; the change of filter date; the overall service date; and the responsible party servicing systems.

DIVISION 6

Standards the Department Achieved

• Division 6 had limited staff, as appropriate during COVID-19.
• Social distancing guidelines were observed.
• Signage was present throughout the office with information on COVID-19, hand washing and lunch/breakroom time limits.

Items the Departments Must Correct

• The department must provide PPE for use at shared office equipment.

Our union will follow up to ensure that Division 6 is supplied with all proper PPE.

REMEMBER: Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, our union is here to help protect us. These walk-throughs help ensure that we can do our jobs safely – and they help stop the spread of this deadly virus.

So make sure you stay engaged with our union. For the latest news, follow us on social media. And for real-time updates, text SEIU to 31996.

As the saying goes during this new COVID-19 era: We’re all in this together. And as the timeless saying goes at SEIU 721: Together, we win!