December 4th, 2006

An elementary school former head custodian has made claims that not only was he exposed to deadly asbestos, but that he was also penalized for making a complaint about the exposure. The man claimed that he was exposed to the deadly fumes for over 14 years ago while working at Gainfield Elementary School.

According to Charles Laiennaro, he had to work on water, heating and drain pipes at the school, and as a result of this he was exposed to asbestos. However, the school district claims that he was not repeatedly exposed to the deadly substance as claimed, despite the fact that the former custodian has filed a claim with the Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

Having worked at the school from 1986 to 2000, Laiennaro stated: "They had me crawling around in that stuff, nobody told me it was in there." The region’s director, however, denied the claims made by Laiennaro, and stated that both students and faculty members are safe.

Another official stated: "I was in there at least twice a year doing inspections. Everybody was properly trained before I started there in 1995," he said. "The equipment is available, and has always been on the management plan."