Demolition Contractor Accused of Knowingly Exposing Workers to Asbestos
The history of asbestos is filled with companies knowingly poisoning people with asbestos so they could make money. Although the dangers of asbestos have been documented for more than a century, and its use largely stopped more than 40 years ago, some companies continue to happily pocket money if that means causing fatal illnesses.
The latest example is accusations against KLF Enterprises, a Chicago-based demolition business, and three other companies that worked on the remains of a closed Waukegan, Illinois, hospital.
Asbestos On-Site, But No Warnings or Protective Equipment
An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found 36 violations in the demolition of the former hospital, resulting in “serious dangers” of asbestos, reports the Lake & McHenry County Scanner. The agency seeks $392,002 in penalties.
In November, OSHA employees saw KLF workers not wearing protective equipment while they worked around piles of debris and steel beams during the demolition of the eight-story structure. OSHA found they were disturbing and removing asbestos-containing fireproofing on the beams. The work should’ve been safely done in a contained manner while the building was still intact.
KLF, a subcontractor at the site, didn’t stop work or require employees to take precautions and use accepted control measures to protect themselves and others after the material was found.
OSHA Claims KLF Knew Asbestos Was in the Building But Didn’t Tell Others or Protect Workers
OSHA states that KLF had a 2019 building survey stating extensive use of asbestos fireproofing on structural beams, but it didn’t inform employees of the health hazards of uncontrolled exposure. KLF also didn’t tell the site’s general contractor or owner about the asbestos. The insulation and fireproofing contained up to 15% chrysotile asbestos.
OSHA cited KLF for its failure to comply with its asbestos regulations, including failing to do the following:
- Notifying employees and other contractors of the presence of asbestos-containing material
- Require employees to wear protective equipment
- Train employees to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions
- Provide medical surveillance of employees for asbestos, silica, and lead exposures
- Safely handle asbestos, silica, and lead materials and waste
Non-asbestos safety violations are also alleged.
Others Accused of Federal Safety Violations
OSHA claims other companies engaged in dangerous practices involving asbestos-containing material, including:
- Reed Illinois Construction, the general contractor, for not ensuring KLF met federal safety and health standards for asbestos and for failing to actively inspect the site for safety hazards
- V Covington LLC for its failure to ensure KLF and another subcontractor, Alliance Environmental Control Inc., complied with federal asbestos rules
- Alliance Environmental Control Inc. for creating asbestos hazards by not removing asbestos, including the fireproofing insulation
Proposed fines for these companies range from $32,262 to $6,452.
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If you have mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. To discuss your situation and how Satterley & Kelley, PLLC can help, call our Louisville office toll-free at 855-385-9532. You may also complete our contact form for a free initial consultation.