With the onset of another "El Nino" year, NBPC-Local 1613 would like to remind
all employees of the "inherit" danger that members face while working near or at
the Tijuana River. Historically, the banks of the river have proven to be
deceptively unstable due to the swift and powerful movement of water within the
river. The best advice to all personnel assigned to work in the Imperial
Beach Station area is to stay away from the rivers banks and out of the water.
In addition, you should know that as a result of the recent
settlement of the "JOHN G. ABBOTT, et aL, v. THE UNITED STATES" (Hazardous Duty
Lawsuit), you have been granted the following expectations while working at or
near the Tijuana River:
The government will not discipline agents for failure
or refusal to enter the Tijuana River, except in cases where life is in
danger.
The government will inform trainee agents that they
will not be disciplined for failure or refusal to enter the Tijuana River,
except in cases where life is endangered.
The government will make available to agents at a
convenient location disposable dust masks, latex gloves, and anti-bacterial
gel.
The government will provide Hepatitis A immunizations
at no charge to the agents.
The government will allow agents to wear into the field
any protective eyewear approved for use at an Agency firing range.
The government will provide two to four hours of
training to the agents per year regarding hazards related to the Tijuana
River.
Within 6 months the government will meet with
designated union members to discuss possible additional steps to improve the
health and safety of agents who work in close
proximity to the Tijuana River. Topics for discussion may include, but are
not limited to: the practicality of providing additional wash racks at the
Imperial Beach stations; providing mobile wash units along the New and
Tijuana River; and hiring individuals to clean holding cells immediately
after they have been occupied by aliens who are wet from the river.
Once again, please
use extreme caution when
approaching the Tijuana River bank, and above all else stay out of the water as
it poses a serious health risk!
