Moving and Storage Company Faces Fines of Over $100K for Exposing Employees to Asbestos and Silica

A Buffalo, New York moving and storage company recently learned that the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had cited the company for exposing its employees to asbestos and silica hazards. The exposures reportedly happened while the workers performed renovation work at one of the company’s facilities.

According to the OSHA announcement, the company faces $108,095 in proposed fines after the agency’s inspectors found that the company did not monitor the work area to determine if asbestos and crystalline silica were present. The company also reportedly failed to provide employees with respiratory protection, protective clothing and training on asbestos and silica hazards; properly dispose of asbestos-containing materials; have a competent person oversee renovation work; and provide a decontamination room. 

To protect workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica, OSHA recently issued two new respirable crystalline silica standards: one for construction and the other for general industry and maritime. OSHA began enforcing most provisions of the standard for construction in September of 2017 and began enforcing most provisions of the new standard for general industry and maritime just last month.

“Exposure to asbestos is known to cause lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Respirable crystalline silica is also a potentially serious exposure hazard. Workers who inhale these very small particles are at increased risk of developing silica-related diseases that could include silicosis, an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death; lung cancer; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and kidney disease.”

To help companies comply with crystalline silica and asbestos regulations, EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides industrial hygiene and environmental testing services along with all of the sampling supplies needed. They also offer a comprehensive range of personal protective equipment (PPE) and real-time air monitoring equipment. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about the new crystalline silica rule for the construction industry that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/NhYWn87xu7Y.

To learn more about crystalline silica, asbestos, and other hazardous and regulated materials, or for access to air monitoring instruments, respirators and other PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail