The University's slow response and state health agencies' inability to intervene frustrated the principal secretary and undergraduate education coordinator for the adult psychiatry division. Poor communication and sloppy work by construction crews denied staff of both, she said. However, air testing found no traces of asbestos or toxic materials in the air following construction. Calls to Facilities Management produced tardy results as crews would respond 24 hours after a complaint. Facilities management should be keeping a closer eye on independent contractors.
Employees are unaware of what is safe or unsafe.
Inspectors from Facilities Management, architects, engineers, University building code officials and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety oversee work performed by electricians, plumbers or construction crews on campus, said Roger Wegner, a Facilities Management University representative. Following the grievance, the University agreed to perform further air quality testing and inspections to ensure independent contractors are following guidelines, Iverson said.