March 2nd, 2008

A Missouri hospital was fined this week after allegations were filed that the hospital did not protect workers from asbestos. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration filed the violations against the hospital.

A Missouri hospital is being fined almost $85,000 over potential asbestos exposure to employees. The hospital was removing wall covering that contained the dangerous substance, and did not take precautions to keep the material contained, potentially exposing 85 workers to the hazardous substance. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration filed the findings in December, and the hospital has until January 15th to respond to the allegations. OSHA did not know if patients and visitors were also exposed to asbestos during the renovations.

Asbestos exposure can be deadly, since breathing in asbestos particles can lead to respiratory diseases as well as forms of cancer. Mesothelioma is normally only a result of asbestos exposure, and is usually terminal by the time it is detected. A form of lung cancer, mesothelioma results from asbestos fibers becoming trapped in the lungs after breathing in the airborne particles. The wall covering that was removed crumbled easily, making the risk of asbestos exposure high. The hospital claimed it had hired workers to complete the work, and that the construction company hired had performed their work in what they claim to be a safe way.