California State University, Long Beach Fined for Failing to Assess Potential Workplace Violence
The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has imposed a $10,215 financial penalty on California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) for failing to assess potential workplace violence in its Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) satellite program. The CAPS program was launched in the fall of 2023 to improve access to student mental health services. The program involved locating counselors and case managers in satellite locations around the campus, including at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Student Health Services and Academic Services, University Student Union, and residence halls.
Prior to the official launch of the program, a complaint was filed with Cal OSHA over concerns about staff safety and student confidentiality. Cal OSHA’s Long Beach District Office launched an investigation and identified a serious violation of the California Code of Regulations §3203 (Injury and Illness prevention program) due to the failure to establish a plan for workplace violence. In addition, CSULB was cited for failing to correct unsafe or unhealthy conditions, including potential hazards associated with workplace violence in its satellite offices.
The fine was imposed on January 3, 2024, and the University was required to correct the violations by January 23, 2024. On January 12, 2024, CSULB appealed the decision and later issued a letter of abatement confirming that the violations had been corrected. Cal OSHA confirmed on February 26, 2024, that the abatement had been accepted.
“The issue was not the procedures but rather we felt the previous stipulated settlement was not required at the satellite locations,” explained CAPS in an email to its employees. “Once we were given the mandate from Cal OSHA, we corrected the discrepancies in a timely manner.” Since the launch, the CAPS satellite program has been scaled back and all staff in satellite locations have been moved back to the main CAPS building, aside from two counselors and one case manager who are working in the satellite office at the Student Health Center.
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