It might come as a shock to learn that workers today are still exposed to asbestos in the workplace. While exposure can sometimes occur on accident, some employers are caught knowingly exposing their employees to the substance.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) works hard to catch and cite employers who fail to keep their employees safe on the job. In one case, OSHA found that First Capital Insulation Inc. of Pennsylvania failed to properly protect its workers during asbestos removal. They faced a $490,000 penalty for seven willful violations, including:
- Allowing workers to remove asbestos improperly
- Failing to make sure their employees’ respirators fit correctly
- Not decontaminating employees and their clothing before leaving the worksite
Not only did the company put the workers at risk for deadly, asbestos-related diseases, their family members could also have been exposed to asbestos that traveled home with the workers on their clothing.
If you work around asbestos, your employer is required to keep you safe on the job. Those that have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases due to exposure at work have been compensated for losses, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages*.
Do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced asbestos attorney if this has happened to you.
*Results are dependent on facts of individual cases. Results of your own case will vary depending on the factual and legal circumstances of your situation.