Major U-Haul Facility Penalized for Asbestos Violations Endangering Workers

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News Summary

U-Haul faces a $231,000 penalty for exposing workers to asbestos due to inadequate safety measures during a facility renovation in Spokane, Washington.

Major U-Haul Facility Penalized for Asbestos Violations Endangering Workers

U-Haul’s Reckless Renovation Practices

A U-Haul facility located in Spokane, Washington, is facing serious repercussions after being fined $231,000 by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). The penalty comes in light of alarming discoveries showing that mechanics at the site were unknowingly exposed to hazardous levels of asbestos during routine work on rental trucks, a situation spurred by the degradation of the building’s vinyl flooring.

Asbestos Exposure in a Reimagined Space

Since acquiring a former K-Mart location in 2019, U-Haul initiated renovations without conducting crucial testing for asbestos within the nearly 60-year-old structure. An investigation conducted by the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) unveiled a shocking revelation: all 90,000 square feet of vinyl floor tiles, along with their adhesive, contained dangerous quantities of asbestos. Disturbingly, this was not the first brush with the law for U-Haul regarding asbestos; SRCAA had previously slapped them with fines and offered safety guidelines for the proper handling of such materials.

The Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure poses significant health risks to individuals, with serious diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer linked directly to the inhalation of its fibers. According to safety regulations, only certified abatement contractors are legally permitted to remove or dispose of asbestos-containing materials, underscoring the irresponsibility of U-Haul’s actions.

Defiance of Safety Protocols

Despite having received multiple warnings from SRCAA, U-Haul’s management chose to coat some of the tiles with epoxy instead of pursuing a full-fledged removal plan. They employed a certified asbestos removal company for only a portion of the job, which begs the question: how can a company prioritize profit over the safety of its employees?

Open for Business Amid Unsafe Conditions

In March 2023, the service center opened its doors, with approximately 7,400 square feet of asbestos-containing tiles remaining untreated. Reports have surfaced indicating that mechanics noticed these tiles peeling and breaking under the weight of vehicles, leading management to irresponsibly instruct them to dispose of the tiles as regular trash. It is estimated that between 200 and 300 square feet of tiles were thrown out without workers realizing they were in contact with deadly asbestos.

Inadequate Training and Equipment

Employee safety at the facility was compromised further by the lack of necessary training and certification for proper asbestos removal methods. Workers employed tools that included shovels and putty knives, even engaging in the dangerous practice of using a torch to remove tiles, all while wearing nothing more than disposable gloves and safety glasses. Such gross negligence raises a serious alarm on management’s duty to protect their workforce.

Serious Violations Acknowledged

The L&I’s findings were severe, resulting in 16 serious violations related to asbestos handling, including instances classified as willful. This suggests that U-Haul’s management not only failed to comply with safety regulations but did so knowingly. The violations cataloged by L&I highlight failure in areas such as employing unqualified personnel for the hazardous task and neglecting to inform employees about the presence of asbestos.

Consequences and Future Action

As of now, U-Haul has not publicly addressed the hefty fine or the implications of their negligence. Proceeds from this fine will benefit the state’s workers’ compensation supplemental pension fund, aimed at supporting injured workers and families of individuals who have tragically lost their lives on the job. The spotlight on U-Haul serves as a stark reminder of corporate responsibility priorities when it comes to worker health and safety.