Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited three companies based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for three alleged willful and 10 alleged serious asbestos violations. 

 

Louisiana Health Care Consultants LLC, Dean Building Holdings, and Bob Dean Enterprises Inc. are cited for failure to follow OSHA’s standards for removal of asbestos-containing ceiling tiles during renovations at the State National Life Building in Baton Rouge. Penalties proposed total $112,000.

 

Asbestos is a known carcinogen that causes serious illnesses such as mesothelioma (cancer in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart), asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), and asbestos related lung cancers. Because of the dangers of exposure to asbestos, OSHA created mandatory regulations regarding removal and renovations during construction that are intended to keep the workplace safe and prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities. According to OSHA, violations are considered willful when there exists and intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Act.  

 

Serious violations are issued when death or serious harm is likely to result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. Most employers are well aware of the hazards posed by asbestos and failure to follow guidelines is seen as intentional or willful disregard of safeguards required by law.

 

The three companies were cited for failure to provide a competent person to supervise the removal of asbestos, to provide required respiratory equipment, and to inform workers of the presence of asbestos on the worksite. They are also cited for failing to:

 

According to standard procedures, the three companies have 15 days from receipt of the citations to request and participate in an informal conference with OSHA or to contest them before the independent Occupations Safety and Health Review Commission.