OIG Finds CPSC Fitness Facilities Fall Short on Safety, Accessibility
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has uncovered multiple regulatory violations at fitness facilities operated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The findings highlight shortcomings in compliance with GSA, OPM, and ADA standards.
The OIG report revealed that CPSC failed to adhere to several regulations. Cleaning contracts for the NPTEC and a 100-square-foot facility were not provided by the CPSC's Commissioned Personnel Support Center (CPSC). Furthermore, cleaning contracts for fitness facilities lacked provisions mandated by GSA for above-standard custodial services.
In terms of employee safety and access, CPSC fell short. Employees were not required to sign waivers or undergo pre-activity screenings for using fitness equipment. Three facilities lacked access control systems, failed to conduct pre-activity screenings for employees needing medical clearance, and did not require employees to sign waivers. One facility also failed to provide adequate floor space for wheelchair access, violating ADA standards. Additionally, contractors were found to have accessed the CPSC headquarters fitness center, which is prohibited by GSA regulations.
Maintenance and documentation were also inadequate. CPSC officials produced only one report of fitness equipment inspection, maintenance, and repair documentation over a three-year period. They also did not include certain custodial services required by GSA-issued regulations in their cleaning contracts.
CPSC officials have acknowledged these violations and intend to ensure future compliance with OPM's Employee Health Services Handbook, ADA Accessibility Standards, and GSA fitness center policies. The CPSC, responsible for fitness equipment violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other safety regulations, must now address these issues to ensure the safety and accessibility of their facilities for all employees.
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