Illinois Company Fined $1.2 Million due to Asbestos Problems

The environmental and building science consultants from EC2 provide air and bulk asbestos sampling to ensure building occupants are safe from exposure.
 
 
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May 31, 2011 - PRLog -- Last week it was reported in the Chicago Sun-Times that an Illinois company in Cicero has been fined $1.2 million by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  According to an OSHA news release the fine occurred because, “…five unprotected and untrained workers allegedly were required to conduct asbestos removal exposing them to this cancer-causing material.”

In addition to 15 willful citations and 4 willful violations, OSHA has also issued 8 serious citations for, “…failing to implement a respirator protection program; failing to use engineering controls and work practices for Class I asbestos work; not conducting asbestos work in regulated areas; and failing to provide hygiene facilities for workers removing the dangerous material. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.”

The asbestos containing materials were reported to contain between 20 and 50% asbestos.    According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber, once widely used in building materials and products for its thermal insulating properties and fire resistance. Intact, undisturbed asbestos-containing materials generally do not pose a health risk. These materials may become hazardous and pose increased risk if they are damaged, are disturbed in some manner, or deteriorate over time and release asbestos fibers into building air.  A number of building materials and products still in use today contain asbestos. Asbestos remains in use as an acoustic insulator, and in thermal insulation, fire proofing, roofing, flooring and other materials.”

One of the leading asbestos consulting firms in Illinois and across the Midwest that handles asbestos investigations and provides oversight for asbestos removal projects is EC2, Inc.  To help educate the public on asbestos dangers, EC2 has cosponsored a public outreach video on the topic that can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCpQYuK8ge8



To learn more about asbestos, environmental, mold or indoor air quality (IAQ) issues please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

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About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States. Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to International Fortune 500 corporations.
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Tags:Asbestos, Iaq, Indoor Air Quality, Industrial Hygiene, Illinois, Chicago, HVAC, Mold, Lead, Fungi
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