Illinois Company Receives $127K Asbestos Fine

April 16, 2012 - PRLog -- Earlier this month, the Chicago Tribune published a report about an Oak Brook company that federal safety regulators intend to levy a $127,600 fine against for 22 serious health violations.  The infractions occurred at one of the company sites located in Franklin Park.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) became involved after a complaint was filed with the agency.  According to the article, “The violations include failing to determine the presence and quantity of asbestos-containing or presumed asbestos-containing material; affix warning notices on asbestos-containing piping; provide a regulated area for asbestos removal operations; monitor employees and the work area for asbestos exposure during the removal process; and use a high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, vacuum to collect dust during removal.”

OSHA also reported that respirators were not used and workers did not receive asbestos awareness training.  Workers were also not provided with protective clothing or a decontamination room.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, “Asbestos was once a commonly used building material because it is not affected by heat or chemicals and does not conduct electricity. Now, however, it is considered a serious indoor air pollutant with links to such serious respiratory diseases as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Asbestos was used in many products that were installed in Illinois' schools and commercial buildings for decades.”

One company that has been providing companies with asbestos surveys and sampling to prevent violations such as these is locally owned and operated EC2, Inc.  Ed Chambers, the President of EC2 stated, “Many older buildings contain asbestos and there are serious health issues and fines when companies do not comply with asbestos regulations.  Suspect materials should always be tested for asbestos before any demolition or remodeling takes place to protect not only the workers, but also future building occupants from asbestos fiber exposure which can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis, respiratory illnesses and lung cancer.”
 
EC2 recently sponsored a public outreach video about asbestos 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.