Worker’s Cal/OSHA complaint alleges he had direct skin contact with
sewage he was asked to clean
LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, a worker at the Freehand Los Angeles filed a complaint with
Cal/OSHA alleging multiple sewage overflows over the past nine months in
the Private Dining Room of the downtown L.A. hotspot.
The worker, Jose Santamaria, is asking state officials to conduct an
investigation into whether the hotel is in compliance with workplace
safety regulations, including those relating to personal protective
equipment, and training.
In the complaint, Santamaria alleges that on multiple occasions since
October 2018, a basement cistern or septic tank containing sewage
overflowed into the hotel’s Private Dining Room, causing the floor to
become submerged in sewage water containing visible toilet paper and
human excrement. The worker alleges that Freehand management ordered
employees to clean the sewage water without protective equipment on the
first occasions when it occurred and further alleges that employees have
not received any safety training on this job assignment.
Jose Santamaria attests that he was one of the workers required to clean
up sewage when the septic tank overflowed. “I had to stand in sewage
liquid up to five inches deep in my regular shoes, my feet and lower
legs coming into direct contact with sewage,” he said in the complaint.
During a second sewage leak into the Private Dining Room in about
January, “I attempted to protect myself by wrapping my feet and legs
with plastic garbage bags, but sewage liquid still entered my shoes and
pants and came in direct contact with my skin,” stated Santamaria.
“During the second incident, sewage splattered onto my face and shirt
while I helped shut the lid of the septic tank,” added Santamaria.
Cal/OSHA is empowered to inspect properties and conduct interviews
before ordering remedies, which may include additional worker training,
repairs, or fines.
Based on Santamaria’s allegations, UNITE HERE Local 11 also filed a
complaint with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health,
requesting an investigation into whether the hotel is in compliance with
state and local laws.
The Freehand Los Angeles is owned in part by Alliance Bernstein U.S.
Real Estate Partners Fund II, and is operated by Sydell Group.
Contacts
Maria Hernandez: (623) 340-8047
