Exposed to blood-borne pathogens! Investigate Universal Protection Service

To: North County Transit District Board

Launch an urgent investigation into reports that your transit security officers are exposed to blood born pathogens without training or hepatitis B vaccinations. Choose a responsible contractor for the North County Transit system and keep security officers and the public safe!

More information:

An investigation by Cal/OSHA found serious violations at the company resulting in a $20,270 fine. The violations included a failure to provide required hepatitis B vaccinations and blood-borne pathogen training for officers at San Diego’s North County Transit District who routinely encounter human blood while providing first aid, removing disorderly passengers, removing waste such as used needles and syringes, and dealing with the scattered remains of pedestrians struck by trains.

The North County Transit District has put its multi-million dollar security contract out to bid. The San Diego County General Services Department also recently bid out its security contract, dumping Universal Protection after the company’s first year on the job.

This is just one more in a series of scandals from Universal Protection Service. We are calling for an immediate investigation as the authority bids out the contract and urge the North County Transit District to look for a responsible contractor to provide security on this vital part of San Diego’s regional transportation network.