State fines Chehalis hotel nearly $98,000, says it exposed employees to infectious diseases

TUMWATER, Wash. (AP) — State workplace regulators have fined the  nearly $98,000 for violating worker safety and health laws.


The Department of Labor and Industries said Tuesday that the hotel exposed employees to infectious diseases, corrosive chemicals and asbestos.

The agency cited the hotel for 31 workplace violations.

L&I said four of the issues the inn was cited for are considered “repeat-serious” violations because they’re the exact same violations that were found during a July 2013 inspection. They include three repeat-serious violations for potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens from hypodermic needles or other infectious material.

The fourth repeat-serious violation involves the lack of an emergency eyewash and training for employees who work with corrosive cleaning products and pool chemicals.

Along with the repeat violations, L&I cited the facility for 11 serious violations for asbestos exposure during renovation work at the hotel.

The violations are the result of two inspections that began in August. Inspectors found problems, including an unstable second-floor walkway, exposed wires and other electrical hazards were also found.

The hotel owner has 15 working days to appeal.

Messages left with the hotel manager and hotel owner Tuesday evening were not immediately returned.