Union says hazardous exposure at public lab is a longstanding issue

The union representing workers at the National Public Health Laboratory is reporting that the situation involving high risk exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes has been a long-standing issue.

The Union of Technical Administrative and Supervisory Personnel (UTASP) represents about 70 workers at the government entity. 

According to UTASP general secretary, St Patrice Ennis, the issue has been allowed unabated for years despite repeated complaints.

The Auditor General Pamela Munroe Ellis has reported that employees in the histology department have been working under uncomfortable and hazardous conditions.

She say there was a high risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes circulating in the air because of the absence of a functioning laboratory fume extraction system.

The Auditor General says the laboratory reported that its extraction system has not been working for over a year due to reported electrical problems.