Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has cited Massachusetts-based contractor William A. Berry & Son Inc. for 18 alleged violations of workplace health and safety standards related to asbestos removal. The citation comes in conjunction with an asbestos-removal project at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, which occurred last September, according to a report in the OH&S magazine.

According to OSHA, employees on the hospital job failed to properly conduct asbestos assessments at the property before beginning renovations, and failed to use proper respiratory protection equipment during equipment removal and renovation. The project included the removal of laboratory ventilation hoods with asbestos-containing panels.

Brenda Gordon, OSHA’s area director for Boston and southeastern Mass., said, “Asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard since inhalation of asbestos fibers may lead to lung cancer and other diseases. OSHA standards are designed to minimize the risk of exposure and its potential impact on workers’ health, but they are effective only so long as employers adhere to them.”

OSHA has proposed $136,000 in fines against the contractor, including one willful violation, which it defines as “one committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for worker safety and health,” according to the report.

The contractor has 15 business days to comply or contest the findings.

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