Texas Construction Companies Reminded of the Need to Follow Asbestos Regulations

Construction companies across Texas were recently reminded of the importance of following asbestos regulations.  This occurred as a result of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announcing last month that a manager and two affiliated construction companies in Illinois are now facing $1,792,000 in penalties for willfully exposing at least eight workers to asbestos.
 
According to OSHA the workers were exposed to asbestos fibers when they removed floor tiles, insulation, and other materials at a former elementary school.  The agency cited the manager and companies for 16 egregious, 9 willful, and 6 serious violations. OSHA inspectors found they failed to warn employees of the danger, even though they were aware of the asbestos hazard. They also failed to ensure that workers used appropriate work methods and respirators, and to train them about the hazards of working around asbestos.
 
“Asbestos was used in over 3,000 materials by the 1970s and many of these materials can still be found in older homes, schools, and commercial buildings,” said Hollis L. Horner, President, Indoor Environmental Consultants, Inc.  “Construction companies involved with demolition, renovation, and remodeling activities are required to protect their workers and the public from exposure risks associated with these materials.  Failure to comply with these regulations can not only jeopardize people’s health due to the possibility of developing mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, but it can also result in costly fines.”
 
Construction companies in Texas and across the Gulf Coast can turn to the asbestos experts at Indoor Environmental Consultants for comprehensive asbestos testing, consulting, and monitoring services.  These services protect workers, the public, and help to ensure that all asbestos regulations are properly followed.
 
To learn more about IEC’s asbestos, indoor air quality, and other occupational and environmental services, please visit www.iecinc.net, email ncancino@iecinc.net or call (877) 432-8378.
 
About Indoor Environmental Consultants, Inc.
IEC began operations in 2001 with some of the nation’s most seasoned professional indoor air quality consultants who already had over 70 years of combined experience.  The indoor environmental quality firm specializes in field investigations and assessments of commercial, institutional and residential buildings.  Their services, related to fungal (mold), chemical, bacterial, asbestos and particulate pollutants, are offered throughout Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Southwest. IEC is licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a mold assessment company (ACO0114) and an asbestos consultant agency (100329).
 

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Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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