ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Bruce Rauner Hugo Chaviano
Governor Director
February 8, 2016

Erica efferies, Director

Illinois Department Of Veterans Affairs
833 South Spring Street

PO. Box 19432

Springfield, IL 627949432

RE: Illinois OSHA InSpection No. 1090667 IL Veterans Home?Quincy

Dear Director Jeffries:

Illinois OSHA conducted a complaint investigation conducted on 09/08/ 15. During the inspection

it was discovered that there was a safety concern that while not violating any OSHA standards,
should be addressed.

In the interest of workplace safety and health, I recommend that you voluntarily take the
following steps to ensure that those working at your facilities are protected:

0 An outbreak of legionella bacteria consequently lead to exposure and illnesses of two
employees infected. The employer failed to effectively notify all employees of the
outbreak or instructed them as to proper precautions to avoid or eliminate exposure in a
timely manner. It was discovered that although a mass email was sent to employees
informing them of the outbreak, not all employees had email, and subsequently were not
able to be informed until sometime after the first email was sent. It is recommended that
the employer devises a system that ensures all employees are alerted when such outbreaks

are determined so the employer and employees can take the pmper precautions to protect
themselves from the hazard(s).

We ask that you provide Illinois OSHA with reports and documentation on your efforts to address
this alleged hazard. The following resources are available and should be of assistance to you in
preventing work-related injuries and illnesses in you workplace:

- No~cost consultation, including onsite visits from the Illinois On?site Safety Health
Program. They may be contacted at 800-972-4216.
- internet web page at gov.

Michael A Bilandic Building Regional Of?ce Building
160 North LaSalie, Suite C4300 900 South Spring Street 230?) West Main Street, Suite 1 i 5
Chicago, Illinois Spring?eld. l'liinois 6270! Marion, Illinois 62959
{312) 703-3800 (217} 782-6306 (at S) 

Fax: Fax: Fax: (61$)993w7258

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tim Rienstra of my staff at 2l7~785?7056 01'
ti1n.rienstra@illinois.gov. Thank you for your continued interest for a safe and healthful
workplace.

Respectfully,

Ben Noven
Division Manager
IL OSHA

cc: Winnicki, Mike Blitanny Heinecke?AFSCME, Chad Jackson-
AFSCME, Complainant, ?le