Illinois Company Cited for Mesothelioma Risks

An Illinois-based construction company has been cited with more than 20 health violations by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after it did not protect its workers from asbestos inhalation that can potentially lead to them developing mesothelioma later in life.

A.M. Castle & Co. was fined $127,600 and hit with 22 “serious health violations” for the way the company looked out for the safety of employees who were working at a site in Franklin Park. The company received violations for failing to determine the presence of asbestos-containing material on the site and properly labeling the products as potentially dangerous, not providing a regulated area for asbestos removal operations, using HEPA vacuums to safely collect debris that could contain asbestos fibers, and improperly monitoring whether or not any employees were being exposed to asbestos.

Additionally, A.M. Castle did not properly provide asbestos awareness training to employees at the site, and also did not give them the proper protective clothing, respirators, and access to a “decontamination room” that a company is required to do so when handling employees working with asbestos.

"Failing to take proper precautions when removing asbestos puts workers at risk for respiratory and other serious illnesses," said Diane Turek, the director of OSHA's Chicago North Area Office, in a press release. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so."

OSCHA deems that a “serious” violation has occurred when “there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.”

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos at work and since developed mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding a mesothelioma claim.