Asbestos?

Call OSHA1-800-321-OSHAwww.osha.gov

John Newquist for ADAO

Newquist.john@dol.gov

2012 – Asbestos at Nassau Coliseum

• March 26, 2012

• Workers told NBC areas of the arena are covered with what they believe is dangerous asbestos.

• The workers expressed concerns for their health and safety.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Asbestos-Investigation-Nassau-Coliseum-Islanders-Long-Island.html

2011 - $1.2 Million for Asbestos• 2002 - Illinois company – prior safety audit of its Cicero facility, which

uncovered asbestos-containing materials on boilers, heating units and connected piping.

• In November 2010, the company began an asbestos removal project using in-house and untrained workers.

• December 2010, The Illinois EPA became aware of the work through a salvager who noticed potential asbestos in metal scrap.

• EPA asked the Illinois Attorney General's Office to proceed with an enforcement action for the improper removal, handling and disposal of asbestos-containing material. Company shut down until asbestos remediated.

• Workers allegedly were exposed to materials containing 20-50 percent asbestos.

• OSHA willful citations for the employer's failures to provide the employees engaged in the hazardous work with the proper training, and protective clothing and equipment.

• http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=19899

Summary• Asbestos is still found in numerous building whether it is floor tile, pipe

insulation. • It must be labels. • Only authorized and trained workers can remove it. • Every state has a FREE Consultation Service for the employer to get

unknown material tested for asbestos and set up a safety and health program. http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/consult.html