Three companies are facing tens of thousands of dollars in fines after workers removed 10,000 square feet of floor tiles that OSHA inspectors say contained asbestos.
OSHA alleged the companies failed to test for the presence of asbestos, did not erect protective barriers to contain residue, and failed to use respiratory and personal protective equipment to prevent exposure.
Between 45% and 51% of the samples of the removed flooring contained chrysotile asbestos, according to OSHA. The flooring was removed from a Missouri residential nursing facility. The residents in the facility were evacuated by OSHA 31 days after the flooring work began.
“Asbestos is a known human carcinogen released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are removed. Exposure to its fibers can cause irreversible lung damage, which is often undetected for years,” stated OSHA Area Director Karena Lorek in Kansas City, Mo. “Employers must test building materials before removal and ensure all measures are taken to prevent exposure.”
The companies face the following fines:
“Eastern Coast Management Inc., the project’s lead contractor, Âfaces proposed penalties of $105,127 for 11 serious violations. SRZ Op Holdings LLC, the facility’s owner, hired the Woodmere, New York, company to remove and replace the flooring.
SRZ Mgmt Holdings LLC of Jefferson City, Mo., Âfaces proposed penalties of $95,570 for 10 serious violations. Investigators determined the company’s regional director of operations removed flooring and used removal equipment and scrapers to keep the project moving in the lead contractor’s absence. The company assigns managers to the Bentonville facility.
SRZ OP Bentonview LLC, located in St. Monett, Mo., which operates as Bentonview Park Health and Rehabilitation, faces $38,228 in proposed penalties for four serious violations. As the facility’s manager, the company had responsibility for protecting its employees and other workers in the rehabilitation facility from potential respiratory hazards.”
