For Immediate Release
Monday, July 12, 1999
Office of Compliance Issues Additional Citations Against Architect of the Capitol
WASHINGTON —Investigations conduct by the Office of Compliance have resulted in another series of citations against the Architect of the Capitol for workplace safety violations. The latest violations were issued against the (AOC) for endangering lives by failing to maintain the fire alarm system and electrical equipment in the Madison Building of the Library of Congress.
The investigation was conducted after the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 26, Locals 2910 and 2477 along with two other library unions filed a request for inspection under the Congressional Accountability Act with the Office of Compliance. The complaint concerned an April 30, 1999 fire that injured an AOC employee and resulted in an evacuation and temporary closing of the Madison Building.
“Once again the safety and welfare of Capitol Hill employees was put at risk, said Saul Schniderman, president of AFSCME Local 2910.” How many citations will the Office of Compliance have to issue before the AOC is held accountable? Employees should not have to come to work fearing that their lives will be in danger because the Architect has failed to properly maintain the fire alarm system and the building’s electrical equipment.”
Citations issued today by the Office of Compliance are the latest in a series of citations that have been issued against the AOC over the past two years.
