Corpus Christi Firm's Failure to Protect Workers From Asbestos Exposure Brings OSHA Citations, Penalties

OSHA, Sep 21, 2004

DALLAS -- A Corpus Christi, Texas, company's alleged failure to protect employees from potential asbestos exposure has resulted in 14 citations and proposed penalties of $167,775 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Meridian Contracting Inc., a general contractor that employs about 60 workers, was cited for four allegedwillful and 11 alleged serious violations following an inspection begun in January of a work site at theCorpus Christi Naval Air Station, where company employees were removing the roof and siding of a hangar.

The alleged willful violations were for failing to have a competent person conduct asbestos exposureassessments; failing to monitor employees for exposureto asbestos; failing to remove asbestos materials in aregulated area and failing to exercise general supervisory authority at the project site. A willful violation is defined as one in which there is evidence of an intentional violation of the OSHA Act or plainindifference to its requirements.

The alleged serious violations included failing tohave regular jobsite inspections for asbestos contained areas; failing to use labels identify asbestos contained material; failing to use warning signs marking regulated areas; failing to inform workers of the presence of asbestos; failing to prohibit dry sweeping of debris and failing to properly clean up and dispose of asbestos containedwaste. A serious violation one in which there is asubstantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.

Employers and employees with questions regardingsafety and health standards can contact the OSHA Corpus Christi area office at (361) 888-3420, or callOSHA's toll-free hotline at 1-800-321-6742, to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers.

Meridian Contracting Inc. has 15 working days fromreceipt of the citations to either comply, request an informal conference with the Corpus Christi OSHA areadirector, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.