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OSHA News Release - (Archived) Table of Contents |
| NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. |
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Region 4 News Release: 05-2371-ATL (313) Date: Friday, December 30, 2005 Contact: Les Grove Jo Anne Burgoyne Phone: (813) 626-1177 (404) 562-2076 OSHA Cites Clearwater, Fla., Contractors for Asbestos Hazards
TAMPA, Fla. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued 27 citations, with total proposed penalties of $38,750, to three Clearwater-based contractors for allegedly exposing workers to asbestos at an Indian Shores demolition site. "These employers were aware of the health standards but failed to protect employees from airborne asbestos," said Les Grove, OSHA's Tampa area director. "Such exposure can lead to asbestosis, a scarring of the lung tissue, and several types of cancer." According to OSHA's investigation, the general contractor, Gannaway Builders, failed to assure that a competent person assessed and controlled employee exposure to airborne fibers during the removal of decorative ceilings that contain asbestos fibers. Gannaway also failed to: conduct regular site inspections; provide employees with personal protective equipment and safety training; and designate and maintain decontamination and change areas. The company received 15 serious citations with proposed penalties totaling $32,000. OSHA issued nine serious citations, with proposed penalties totaling $4,500, to AARLICE Skilled Labor for exposing workers to asbestos hazards at the site. K & W Electric received three citations and a $2,250 fine for safety hazards also designated as serious. The three contractors were involved in the demolition, renovation and condominium conversion of apartments in the Tampa area. All three companies have 15 working days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Tampa area office, 5807 Breckenridge Parkway, Suite A; phone: (813) 626-1177. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships, and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # #
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance. |
| NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. |
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OSHA News Release - (Archived) Table of Contents |