Frontier safety check starts

Lynn Waddell

Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998 | 9:15 a.m.

State officials used a warrant to enter the Frontier Hotel after two striking unions complained of work hazards.

The state Division of Enforcement for Industrial Safety and Health began a weeklong inspection of the hotel Tuesday to determine if there is merit to 31 safety and 14 health complaints made by the unions, said H.J. Shewmake, state district manager.

"Any employee's complaint is just an allegation until it is investigated and proven," Shewmake said. "We really can't release anything until the investigation is complete."

Frontier management did not respond to phone calls Tuesday.

Management denied state agents and union representatives access to the resort Oct. 30, which prompted state inspectors to get 8 warrant to inspect with union officials.

The complaints range from fire hazards to improper handling of chemicals. Hazards were alleged throughout the hotel, including guest rooms.

The complaints were filed earlier this month by Culinary Union Local 226 and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 501.

According to a Culinary news release, the state does not do inspections during a strike unless the situation could be "life-threatening or imminent danger may exist."

Five safety and health citations have been issued against the hotel in the past 18 months. The violations involved mishandling of chemicals and failure to correct hazards after being cited by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health.