Corpus Christi, Texas Company Fined for Employee Asbestos Exposure

Meridian Contracting was cited following an inspection begun in January of a work site at the Corpus 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 exposure assessments; failing to monitor employees for exposure to asbestos; failing to remove asbestos materials in a regulated area and failing to exercise general supervisory authority at the project site. A willful violation is defined as one in which there is intentional violation of or plain indifference to the OSHA Act and its requirements.

The alleged serious violations included failing to have 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 contained waste.

A serious violation one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.