Board of Ed Criminally Charged for Not Inspecting Schools for Asbestos
The School District of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is facing federal criminal charges for failing to fulfill its responsibilities regarding inspections for and the safe handling of asbestos. It’s the first time a school district has been criminally charged under the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.
The school board entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ), allowing them five years to address the asbestos issue without facing prosecution, according to WTXF.
Federal law requires school districts to prevent airborne toxins, such as asbestos, in their buildings through regular inspections and remediation. Cancer-causing asbestos is in 300 of the district’s 339 buildings. The district is accused of failing to do timely inspections at several schools.
The DOJ investigation found mismanagement and widespread asbestos issues endangering students and staff. The district has been found to improperly address asbestos, including using duct tape to cover it up. Some of the city’s schools have been closed due to asbestos.
The district announced the agreement with the DOJ. It stated that if it hadn’t made progress in properly dealing with asbestos in the schools, the federal government wouldn’t be giving them a chance to correct the situation before prosecution.
The district has a new asbestos management program. All school buildings are supposed to be inspected twice a year. The DOJ states it will monitor the district’s progress over the next five years.
Your Local Mesothelioma Law Firm
If you or a loved one worked at a school and has an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm asbestos causes.
Experienced Satterley & Kelley’s, PLLC, asbestos injury attorneys can talk to you about your situation and help you recover damages for your lost wages, medical expenses, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
Call us at 855-385-9532, locally 502-589-5600, or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with a Satterley & Kelley PLLC lawyer.