jobsite exposure

[mike in ohio]

Ohio

My self and co-workers (carpenters) started working on a project when we had a small incedent where an asbestos wrapped pipe fell from the ceiling above (presumed to be lodged in the floor joist or wall pocket above) and landed on the floor nearby a a result of framing a wall (4 story - 42 unit apartment building remodel). We where told that all of the asbestoes had been removed from the building with exception to the boiler pipes in the basement. The pipe that fell was a short piece just a few feet long. After we examined the building more we discovered other piping in the work area and a layer of asbestos underlayment under the flooring on each floor completely throughout the building. It would appear that the "abatement" and demolition was done by general labors and not licensesd abatement contractors and the building had been broomed swept after demolition leaving a layer of dust everywhere that we presume contains the dust leftover from the demolition likely containing asbestos and lead. On projects that I have hired abatement contractors the walls and floors are typically wet washed in the final phase to remove the final particles. Our work consisted of sawing through the underlayment and in general stirring up the dust to prepare wotk areas for rough framing. We decided not to work on the project and left after several days. One worker was sick for several days with respitory and skin ailments. My question is this. If the building owner and contractor knowingly hire and place workmen in harms way do they have any legal responsabilites either criminal or civil? We have also worked on another project for the same owner where the dust made us ill and the boiler piping was removed by his own labor forces. I took photographs and samples at the time of the incedent. The owner is a real estate investor that does real estate seminars and infomercials on tv. We have not been paid for our work either Mike in Cleveland.What is the name of your state?

[racer72]

Contact your state department of labor and industries.

One worker was sick for several days with respitory and skin ailments.

This would not be caused by asbestos. Asbestos poisening takes years to show up in people, it does not cause immediate sickness or ailments. There was likely something else that caused his problems.

[xylene]

Originally Posted by racer72

This would not be caused by asbestos. Asbestos poisening takes years to show up in people, it does not cause immediate sickness or ailments. There was likely something else that caused his problems.

Maybe not racer72. While many things on a jobsite can cause acute respiratory and/or skin problems Asbestos does not cause poisoning per say at all. It is a mechanical irritant at the cellular level. The body's response to the insoluable asbestos is what causes cancer and pulmonary diseases.

But like any fine aerosolizable powder, Asbestos can indeed cause acute respiratory distress. Same for the sink irritation - in fact dermal inflamation is a key short term indicators of heavy asbestos dust exposure.