The 16 year wait is over. Finally emerging from bankruptcy, Pittsburg Corning today announced that the company has fully funded its portion of the Pittsburgh Corning Asbestos Trust that was established by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania in May 2016.
Showing posts with label Asbestos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asbestos. Show all posts
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Mesothelioma: Employer Held Liable for Wife's Asbestos Related Death
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was held liable for the death of an asbestos worker's wife death from mesothelioma. A Federal Court in Alabama held that the the employer held that the employer had a duty to protect the wife a nuclear plant employee from take home asbestos exposure.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
US Workers Continue to be Exposed to Asbestos
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| Asbestos Insulation |
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Privacy: Court Mandates Protective Order for Workers' Compensation Discovery
Plaintiff in mesothelioma case sought production of defendant's (Union Carbide Corp) employees' workers' compensation claim records. The corporate defendant, Union Carbide Corp) sought to restrict access and limit dissemination of the records of the workers' compensation matters sought through discovery.
Confidentiality is a two sided sword. Historically asbestos litigation had its genesis in workers' compensation claims. In this instance the Corporate Defendant sought the utilization of privacy restrictions as a defense.
Confidentiality is a two sided sword. Historically asbestos litigation had its genesis in workers' compensation claims. In this instance the Corporate Defendant sought the utilization of privacy restrictions as a defense.
Friday, April 8, 2016
National Asbestos Awareness Week - US Surgeon General
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy on National Asbestos Awareness Week
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| Dr. Vivek Murthy US Surgeon General |
National Asbestos Awareness Week is April 1-7 – a good time to remind Americans about the health dangers of asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a natural mineral fiber that is found in rock and soil, was widely used as insulation and fireproofing material in homes, commercial buildings, ships and other products, such as paints and car brakes. In recent years, asbestos use has decreased dramatically after it was linked to illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Asbestos Related Deaths in NJ Continue at Record Rates
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| Source: EWG Fund asbestosnation.org/ |
Read more about "mesothelioma" and workers' compensation:
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Feb 9, 2016 ... A recent study indicates that a new physician staging processes by weight and volume of mesothelioma tumors may be helpful in predicting ...
workers-compensation.blogspot.com
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6 days ago ... Fibro Clay, and its causal relationship to mesothelioma, has been ... Malignantmesothelioma cases among primary school teachers are usually ...
workers-compensation.blogspot.com
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Jul 20, 2012 ... An increased risk of developing asbestos related disease, including mesothelioma, was identified in a recent study. Asbestos exposure has ...
workers-compensation.blogspot.com
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Jun 29, 2012 ... Mesothelioma is a rare but highly fatal cancer of the thin membranes surrounding the chest cavity or abdominal cavity. The only ...
workers-compensation.blogspot.com
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Monday, March 28, 2016
Pleural mesothelioma reported in a school teacher: asbestos exposure due to DAS paste
The hazardous legacy exposures of school children and art teachers to materials containing asbestos fiber, ie. Fibro Clay, and its causal relationship to mesothelioma, has been reported in a recent medical journal. Today's post is partially shared from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
BACKGROUND:
Malignant mesothelioma cases among primary school teachers are usually linked with asbestos exposure due to the mineral contained in the building structure. Among the approximately 12,000 cases of mesothelioma described in the fourth report of the National Mesothelioma Register, 11 cases of primary school teachers are reported, in spite of the fact that the "catalogue of asbestos use" does not describe circumstances of asbestos exposure other than or different to that due to asbestos contained in the buildings. Four cases in the Brescia Provincial Mesothelioma Register are identified as teachers, without this circumstance of exposure.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Garlock reaches $480 Million settlement on asbestos claims
Garlock plans to emerge from bankruptcy and establish a trust in the amount of $480 Million to pay asbestos claimants and their families. Garlock a member of the EnPro Industries consortium had made asbestos gaskets.Asbestos is a known carcinogen and causally connected with lung cancer, mesothelioma and other malignancies as well as asbestosis.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Property Developer Pleads Guilty To Exposing Workers To Asbestos During Removal Operations
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr., in Rochester, NY, announced today that Anastasios “Taso” Kolokouris, 32, of Avon, NY, pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act asbestos work practice standards involving asbestos removal and disturbance before Chief U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. The charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
New staging of mesothelioma tumors may predict outcome
A recent study indicates that a new physician staging processes by weight and volume of mesothelioma tumors may be helpful in predicting outcome. Mesothelioma is a fatal rare tumor and almost always associated with exposure to asbestos fibers. The development of mesothelioma commonly is diagnosed decades after the initial exposure to asbestos fiber.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Senator Patrick Leahy Calls For Greater Transparency by Asbestos Companies
Statement of Senator Patrick Leahy Ranking Member, Judiciary Committee Hearing on “The Need for Transparency in the Asbestos Trusts”
Today the Judiciary Committee meets to discuss legislation that purports to promote more transparency in asbestos trusts. Before we get into a detailed discussion about the merits of the proposed legislation, I want to make sure we all remember why we are here today. For decades, millions of American workers were secretly poisoned. Men and women who worked in our Nation’s factories, shipyards, mines and construction sites, and service members in the military, unknowingly inhaled air that was laced with asbestos—a substance so harmful that an individual can become critically ill simply by breathing.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
FACT Act Hearing US Senate Wed Feb 3, 2016 10am ET
Witness List
Hearing before the
Senate Committee on the Judiciary
On
“The Need for Transparency in the Asbestos Trusts”
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 226
10:00 a.m.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Demolition of Paterson NJ Armory Highlights Present Danger of Asbestos
The emergency demolition of the decades old Paterson NJ Armory, an historic site, highlights that asbestos, a known carcinogen, remains a hazard to workers when older buildings require renovation or demolition.
asbestos remains a clear and present danger to workers. Despite the fact that asbestos may not be used as a new construction material,
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for years as a construction material because of its fire retardant and heat insulation properties.
The hazards of asbestos are well known. Exposure to asbestos may cause the latent development of: asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The Paterson NJ Armory caught fire several days ago and resulted in a major North Jersey fire alarm requiring the participation of firefighters to be called in from multiple jurisdictions to be be brought under control. Unable to reach and extinguish some parts of the fire, the Paterson Fire Department ordered that the historic building be demolished on an emergency basis.
Despite the knowledge of the fatal hazards of asbestos use, it has yet to be banned in the United States.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for years as a construction material because of its fire retardant and heat insulation properties.
The hazards of asbestos are well known. Exposure to asbestos may cause the latent development of: asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The Paterson NJ Armory caught fire several days ago and resulted in a major North Jersey fire alarm requiring the participation of firefighters to be called in from multiple jurisdictions to be be brought under control. Unable to reach and extinguish some parts of the fire, the Paterson Fire Department ordered that the historic building be demolished on an emergency basis.
Despite the knowledge of the fatal hazards of asbestos use, it has yet to be banned in the United States.
….
Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson-Reuters). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Symposium: Celebrating Dr. Irving J. Selikoff
Friday, October 16, 2015, 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Davis Auditorium, Hess Building, 1470 Madison Ave (between 101st and 102nd Sts)
Program Overview : This symposium will examine the lasting impact of the legacy of Dr. Irving J. Selikoff (January 15, 1915-May 20, 1992) on occupational health and safety in the United States. Considered the father of occupational medicine, he is remembered for his seminal research on asbestos-related illnesses, his tireless advocacy for worker safety and health protections, and his contributions to the establishment of federal asbestos regulations.
Photo Exhibit In conjunction with the symposium, there will be an exhibit by photographer Earl Dotter on display titled Badges: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers. Guggenheim Pavilion Atrium, 1468 Madison Avenue.
Who should attend? This symposium is open to the public and intended for faculty, residents, students, and members of the occupational health and safety community.
Mount Sinai Organizing Committee Madelynn Azar-Cavanagh, MD; Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc; Roberto Lucchini, MD; John D. Meyer, MD, MPH; Barbara J. Niss; Robert O. Wright, MD, MPH
Registration There is no fee to attend this event. Click here to register for this event or email carla.azar@mssm.edu. Please note that space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Special Needs The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is in full compliance with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is accessible for individuals with special needs. If you would like to attend this conference and require any special needs or accommodations, please contact carla.azar@mssm.edu.
Agenda
8:00 AM Breakfast and Check-in
9:00 AM Welcome Remarks
Robert O. Wright, MD, Chair, Dept. of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Philip J. Landrigan, MD, Dean for Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
David Michaels, PhD, MPH, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health and Director, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
John Howard, MD, MPH, LLM, Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Program Moderator
Roberto Lucchini, MD, Director, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
9:30 AM Irving J. Selikoff in History
Albert Miller, MD, Director of the Pulmonary Function Laboratory, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Emeritus Clinical Professor of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
9:50 AM Asbestos and Selikoff’s role in the Reconception of Responsibility for Chronic Disease in a pre-OSHA era
David K. Rosner, PhD, MPH, Ronald H. Lauterstein Professor of Sociomedical Sciences and Professor of History, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
10:10 AM Break
10:25 AM Update of the Selikoff’s Insulators’ Asbestos Cohort
Steven Markowitz, MD, DrPH, Barry Commoner Center for Health and the Environment, Queens College and Graduate Center, City University of New York
10:45 AM Pneumoconiosis and Autoimmune Disease from an Historical Perspective
Paul D. Blanc, MD, MSPH, Professor of Medicine and Endowed Chair, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California San Francisco
11:05 AM Perspectives on Dr. Selikoff’s Contributions to Public Health and Safety Laws
Neil T. Leifer, Esq., Neil T Leifer, LLC, Auburndale, MA
11:25 AM Trends Today: Global Spread of Asbestos to Developing World
Barry I. Castleman, ScD, Author of Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects
11:45 AM Q&A
12:05 PM Introduction of Photo Exhibit
Linda Reinstein, President/CEO, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
12:10 PM Closing Remarks
Madelynn Azar-Cavanagh, MD, Medical Director, Mount Sinai Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health
Symposium: Celebrating Dr. Irving J. Selikoff
Sponsored by the Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dept. of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Location: Davis Auditorium, Hess Building, 1470 Madison Ave (between 101st and 102nd Sts)
Program Overview : This symposium will examine the lasting impact of the legacy of Dr. Irving J. Selikoff (January 15, 1915-May 20, 1992) on occupational health and safety in the United States. Considered the father of occupational medicine, he is remembered for his seminal research on asbestos-related illnesses, his tireless advocacy for worker safety and health protections, and his contributions to the establishment of federal asbestos regulations.
Photo Exhibit In conjunction with the symposium, there will be an exhibit by photographer Earl Dotter on display titled Badges: A Memorial Tribute to Asbestos Workers. Guggenheim Pavilion Atrium, 1468 Madison Avenue.
Who should attend? This symposium is open to the public and intended for faculty, residents, students, and members of the occupational health and safety community.
Mount Sinai Organizing Committee Madelynn Azar-Cavanagh, MD; Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc; Roberto Lucchini, MD; John D. Meyer, MD, MPH; Barbara J. Niss; Robert O. Wright, MD, MPH
Registration There is no fee to attend this event. Click here to register for this event or email carla.azar@mssm.edu. Please note that space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Special Needs The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is in full compliance with provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is accessible for individuals with special needs. If you would like to attend this conference and require any special needs or accommodations, please contact carla.azar@mssm.edu.
Agenda
8:00 AM Breakfast and Check-in
9:00 AM Welcome Remarks
Robert O. Wright, MD, Chair, Dept. of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Philip J. Landrigan, MD, Dean for Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
David Michaels, PhD, MPH, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health and Director, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
John Howard, MD, MPH, LLM, Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Program Moderator
Roberto Lucchini, MD, Director, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
9:30 AM Irving J. Selikoff in History
Albert Miller, MD, Director of the Pulmonary Function Laboratory, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Emeritus Clinical Professor of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
9:50 AM Asbestos and Selikoff’s role in the Reconception of Responsibility for Chronic Disease in a pre-OSHA era
David K. Rosner, PhD, MPH, Ronald H. Lauterstein Professor of Sociomedical Sciences and Professor of History, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
10:10 AM Break
10:25 AM Update of the Selikoff’s Insulators’ Asbestos Cohort
Steven Markowitz, MD, DrPH, Barry Commoner Center for Health and the Environment, Queens College and Graduate Center, City University of New York
10:45 AM Pneumoconiosis and Autoimmune Disease from an Historical Perspective
Paul D. Blanc, MD, MSPH, Professor of Medicine and Endowed Chair, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California San Francisco
11:05 AM Perspectives on Dr. Selikoff’s Contributions to Public Health and Safety Laws
Neil T. Leifer, Esq., Neil T Leifer, LLC, Auburndale, MA
11:25 AM Trends Today: Global Spread of Asbestos to Developing World
Barry I. Castleman, ScD, Author of Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects
11:45 AM Q&A
12:05 PM Introduction of Photo Exhibit
Linda Reinstein, President/CEO, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
12:10 PM Closing Remarks
Madelynn Azar-Cavanagh, MD, Medical Director, Mount Sinai Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health
Symposium: Celebrating Dr. Irving J. Selikoff
Sponsored by the Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dept. of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Perspectives in Biological Monitoring of Inhaled Nanosized Particles
In this review, the authors synthesize published data of experimental studies on the distribution of inhaled nanoparticles and the first case reports to discuss the potential usefulness of their biological monitoring for clinical purposes.
Toxicokinetic studies suggest that nanoparticles may be absorbed predominantly by respiratory and oral routes with possible systemic translocation, leading to accumulation in the peripheral organs or excretion in feces or urine.
Some methods used in these studies may be applied successfully in retrospective evaluation of exposure or in follow-up of occupational exposure in the workplace. Biological monitoring of nanoparticles should be based on imaging methods that are essential to confirm their presence and to characterize them in tissue associated with analytical quantitative methods.
The first case reports reviewed emphasize the urgent need for the development of standardized procedures for the preparation and analysis of biological samples with a view to characterizing and quantifying nanoparticles.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Asbestos in Children's Toys
It has been reported that certain children's toys contain asbestos fiber. Asbestos is a known cancer producing substance.Today's post is shared from ewr.org
"The toys, purchased at national retail chains or through online retailers, were tested by a government-certified laboratory, using state-of-the-art equipment. Samples that tested positive were retested by another government-certified laboratory to confirm the results. The results are significant because even trace exposure to asbestos can cause cancer and other fatal lung disease.
"The tests found asbestos in four of the 28 boxes of crayons tested, several marketed under the names of popular fantasy characters Mickey Mouse, Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Two of the 21 crime scene fingerprint kits were tainted with asbestos.
Click here to read the entire article.
Click here to read Sen Ed Markey's Letter.
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Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson-Reuters). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
US EPA Report Calls For Better Regulation of Demolition of Asbestos Containing Buldings
Monday, May 18, 2015
Bill delays compensation for asbestos victims, puts privacy at risk
Washington, D.C. — The following is a statement from American Association for Justice CEO Linda Lipsen on today’s markup of the Furthering Asbestos Claims Transparency (FACT) Act (H.R. 526) in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary:
“Asbestos is still legal in the United States, and with 12,000 to 15,000 Americans suffocating to death every year from asbestos diseases, Congress should act to protect the public by demanding transparency from asbestos corporations. Instead, the FACT Act will grant a handout to the very corporations that poisoned and killed hundreds of thousands of Americans, while doing nothing to prevent further exposure to this deadly toxin.
“The asbestos industry is the only supporter of the FACT Act, and to date, this committee has refused to hear testimony from people who have experienced the ravages of asbestos diseases. Americans should be outraged that this markup will go forward without consideration of the people who will shoulder the entire burden of this one-sided bill – asbestos victims and their families."
“Asbestos is still legal in the United States, and with 12,000 to 15,000 Americans suffocating to death every year from asbestos diseases, Congress should act to protect the public by demanding transparency from asbestos corporations. Instead, the FACT Act will grant a handout to the very corporations that poisoned and killed hundreds of thousands of Americans, while doing nothing to prevent further exposure to this deadly toxin.
“The asbestos industry is the only supporter of the FACT Act, and to date, this committee has refused to hear testimony from people who have experienced the ravages of asbestos diseases. Americans should be outraged that this markup will go forward without consideration of the people who will shoulder the entire burden of this one-sided bill – asbestos victims and their families."
Friday, May 1, 2015
WHO Reports Widespread Asbestos Exposure Continues In Europe
WHO (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The WHO (UN World Health Organization) reports that 1 in every 3 Europeans are still exposed to asbestos.
"We cannot afford losing almost 15 000 lives a year in Europe, especially workers, from diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. Every death from asbestos-related diseases is avoidable," says Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, WHO Regional Director for Europe. "We urge all countries to leave the Haifa meeting to fulfil their 2010 commitment and develop policies by the end of this year that will eliminate asbestos-related diseases from the face of Europe. There is very little time left for that."
Elimination of asbestos-related diseases was one of the major issues discussed at the Haifa meeting. Over 200 representatives of European countries and international and nongovernmental organizations attended the meeting to evaluate overall progress on environment and health in Europe.
An "eye-opener" report: progress toward the elimination of asbestos-related diseases
The report Progress toward the elimination of asbestos-related diseases, presented at the meeting, indicates that asbestos, a group of natural fibrous minerals, is responsible for about half of all deaths from cancers developed at work. According to new estimates, deaths from mesothelioma in 15 European countries cost society more than 1.5 billion euros annually (see table in Annex).
While 37 of the 53 Member States in the Region have banned the use of all forms of asbestos, the remaining 16 countries still use asbestos, especially for building materials, and some continue to produce and export it. Even after its use has ceased, asbestos lingers in the environment, so it needs to be safely removed and disposed without delay.
"Asbestos is known as a silent killer as health disorders from exposure to it usually appear after several decades. This means that many more people are expected to fall sick and die in the coming years throughout Europe", says Dr Guénaël Rodier, Director, Division of Communicable Diseases, Health Security and Environment. "This new report assesses how far European countries have got in eliminating asbestos-related diseases and provides recommendations for the future."
In one week, the Chemical Review Committee of the Rotterdam Convention will consider listing chrysotile or white asbestos, the most common form of asbestos, among the substances for which importing countries have to give their consent to the exporting party for the trade to occur.
"Elimination of asbestos-related diseases is a priority for Israel. Already in 2011 we have passed a law prohibiting the use of new asbestos, requesting removal of existing friable asbestos and guiding disposal of asbestos cement,", says Mr David Leffler, Director-General, Ministry of Environmental Protection for Israel. "An asbestos waste removal project is conducted in Western Galilee where by December 2014, 80 thousand cubic meters of waste were cleaned in 221 sites. Databases on asbestos-related diseases are considered key to monitor asbestos' health effects and are regularly maintained."
Paving the way ahead for better environment and health in Europe
All European countries present at the meeting renewed their pledges to work towards meeting the time-bound targets they adopted in 2010. This includes concrete steps to:
strengthen or establish partnerships with different stakeholders and processes, and utilize already existing policy instruments and tools;
- enhance the understanding and use of economic arguments to support action on environment and health; and
- harmonize with the forthcoming post-2015 sustainable development agenda.
They also agreed to address the environment and health challenges of the 21st century posed by:
complex risk factors: air, water, waste or chemicals;
complex systems of direct relevance to environment and health: food, energy or cities; and
matters of international environment and health security: disasters and climate change.
The conclusions of the high-level meeting in Haifa are an important milestone in the run up to the Sixth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health planned for 2017.
The 16 countries that have not yet banned all forms of asbestos are: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Monaco, the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
The five time-bound targets adopted by countries in the European Region in 2010 are to: provide safe water and sanitation to all children by 2020; create healthy and safe environments for children in their daily life by 2020; make children's indoor environments free from tobacco smoke by 2015; safeguard children's environments from toxic chemicals by 2015; develop policies to eliminate asbestos-related diseases by 2015.
The seventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (RC COP-7) will be held from 4 to 15 May 2015, back-to-back with the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (BC COP-12) and the seventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (SC COP-7).
Friday, April 24, 2015
First Capital Insulation faces $490K in fines for willfully allowing unsafe asbestos removal
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| Workers safely remove asbestos. Source: OSHA.gov |
Three workers removing thermal pipe insulation at an unoccupied residence on North Second Street in Harrisburg were exposed to these serious risks because their employer failed to protect them properly.
U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors found that First Capital Insulation Inc. of York regularly exposed employees to asbestos hazards.
"Asbestos exposure can cause chronic lung disease and cancer. With the right safeguards, employees can be protected from these deadly hazards," said Kevin Kilp, director of OSHA's area office in Harrisburg. "We found employees removing insulation containing asbestos without first wetting the material, which reduces the danger of exposure. A little water could have made all the difference and the company knew this."
First Capital Insulation faces a $490,000 penalty for seven willful violations, including allowing workers to remove asbestos improperly; failing to make sure their employees' respirators fit correctly; and not decontaminating employees and their clothing before leaving the work site.
The clothing of workers who handle asbestos creates a significant risk for secondary exposure. Its microscopic particles can easily attach to hair, skin and clothes. If the worker and his clothing are not properly cleaned before leaving the work site, others with whom the worker has contact risk secondary exposure. A worker who fails to change out of asbestos-contaminated clothing before returning home can leave fibers embedded in couches, chairs, carpets, beds and other furniture.
OSHA requires employers to treat thermal system insulation and surfacing material found in buildings constructed before and in 1980 as asbestos, unless they can prove that the material is free of asbestos. In this inspection, the building was built in 1928, and the company made no attempt to test the removed materials.
To read the citations, visit http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/FirstCapitalInsulationInc_1002754_0420_15.pdf*.
First Capital Insulation is an environmental services company. It provides asbestos, lead abatement and insulation installation services. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
….
Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author of NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson-Reuters) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson-Reuters). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
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