Construction Companies in Puerto Rico Reminded of Asbestos Regulations as Illinois Companies Face Nearly $2M in Fines

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that several Illinois construction companies and a manager now face nearly $2 million in fines for exposing workers to known asbestos hazards. 
 
An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that the affiliated companies violated numerous health standards related to the dangers of asbestos at a project in a former elementary school.  According to OSHA, the workers did the hard work of removing floor tiles, insulation and other materials that contained asbestos. The investigation also found that management threatened some workers with termination if they spoke with OSHA inspectors.
 
Construction companies in Puerto Rico frequently encounter asbestos at jobsites.  Many have taken notice of the vigorous stance taken by OSHA against those companies that do not adequately protect their workers.
 
“Exposure to asbestos fibers can be deadly as it is known to cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “It is for these reasons that there are regulations in place to protect workers and the public from exposure risks. The recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Labor is a reminder to companies that they can be subject to multimillion dollar fines and even possible criminal prosecution for failing to follow existing regulations.”
 
It is not possible to determine if a material contains asbestos with just the naked eye.  To help companies protect workers and comply with regulations, Zimmetry Environmental has teams of asbestos professionals that provide testing and consulting services in Puerto Rico and throughout the Caribbean.  They are experts in what needs to be accomplished to be in full compliance with all local asbestos regulations to prevent health risks and costly non-compliance violations.
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their asbestos, indoor air quality, environmental, and compliance consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality (IAQ), asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.
 

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Paul Cochrane

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Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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