In response to: “Our View: Win for Augusta Chipotle workers a great start,” March 29. There was a paragraph that stated: “The question is, will the demands for safety, dignity and security in low-wage industries be picked up by more workers, and customers too, or will this wave break under the weight of corporate power and public complacency?”
The answer is no. Walk into any place of business in Augusta and chances are there is a violation of the National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code 101. An example would be a trip hazard within 44 inches of a fire extinguisher, fire alarm or fire exit. Then there are Occupational Safety and Health Administration non-compliance issues, like when you see an employee cleaning with chemicals, chances are they are not wearing safety glasses. When you see an employee in the parking lot, even if they are wearing a safety vest that fits them properly, it is not zipped up. Also if you ask the first person you see, “If there is an emergency and we have to evacuate the building, where is the meeting spot outside?” Don’t be surprised if they don’t know.
Then there are health code violations, with some restaurants allowing dishwasher trays to be placed on the floor and employees not scrubbing their hands with soap for a minimum of 20 seconds, while the kitchen is so disgusting it looks like a movie set for a horror film.
The worst thing is when you point these things out to a supervisor their first question is: “Who do you work for?” When you reply: “I don’t have to work for anyone to know that you are in non-compliance with the law.”
Douglas Papa
Augusta
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