The federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) has cited the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington, following allegations that the casino is operating with ill workers, overcrowded work areas and no mask enforcement.
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians, which operates the casino, issued a statement: “We are investigating recent allegations of COVID-19 safety issues at Emerald Queen Casino. We will finish our investigation as promptly as possible and will provide an update upon completion of the investigation.”
A worker at the casino contacted the News Tribune after testing positive for Covid-19. The worker shared a memo about alleged health and safety hazards and talked about unsafe working conditions that were reported to OSHA. The Department of Labor, confirmed that the memo was valid, but declined to provide other details except to say that it was an open case.
One of the safety issues was described as up to 100 employees working within about 100 square feet of the High Limit area of the casino, referred to by employees as “Covid Corner.”
The memo also described a lax mask policy enforcement, allowing patrons to remain when they refused to wear coverings. It claimed that “numerous employees” had been infected with Covid, including a dealer who was “visibly ill” and that many workers were not wearing masks.
The memo also reported that large numbers of sick players were tolerated at tables.
The casino operators were required to submit the investigation’s result to OSHA by July 24. OSHA could choose to conduct its own investigation if it is unsatisfied by the casino’s response.
The tribe operates two casinos, one in Fife and the other in Tacoma, the latter which opened June 8 after delaying its original March opening.
The worker who spoke to the News Tribune said most of those who don’t wear masks use smoking as an excuse and that the casino has grown lax at enforcing mask and social distancing requirements over time.
The casino points to its safety procedures that are posted online, and which state: “Smoking will be allowed on the floor and in designated smoking areas. We expect you to keep your mask on as much as possible.”
