OSHA Fines Illinois Company for Asbestos Exposure

A.M. Castle & Co. in Oak Brook, Illinois could be looking at a hefty federal fine for safety violations, according to the Chicago Tribune. An inspection from the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) determined that workers at a site in Franklin Park were exposed to asbestos during insulation removal, and the company did not take protective measures to prevent the employees from exposure.

OSHA cited A.M. Castle for 22 “serious health violations” after the inspection, which was prompted following a complaint. The proposed fines total $127,600. A.M. Castle claims to have fully cooperated with OSHA. OSHA claims the company failed to detect the asbestos and monitor the employees as they removed the insulation.

“Failing to take proper precautions when removing asbestos puts workers at risk for respiratory and other serious illnesses,” says Chicago Regional Director Diane Turek.

When workers are around even trace amounts of asbestos, they need to wear respirators and be properly trained. This is a case of careless negligence on A.M. Castle’s end and hopefully this steep fine sends a message.

Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus workers comp attorneys.