U-Haul's Asbestos Catastrophe: Workers Exposed in Spokane Renovation Fiasco

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News Summary

U-Haul faces a $231,000 fine for risking worker safety during renovations that exposed employees to hazardous asbestos in Spokane.

U-Haul’s Asbestos Catastrophe: Workers Exposed in Spokane Renovation Fiasco

The state of Washington is reeling from a shocking incident involving U-Haul of Spokane, which faces a staggering $231,000 fine after putting employees at serious risk of asbestos exposure. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has stepped in, concluding that U-Haul’s negligence during renovations of a decrepit former K-Mart building could have catastrophic health implications for its workers.

A Costly Oversight

U-Haul purchased the abandoned K-Mart building in 2019 and promptly embarked on a renovation project without conducting necessary asbestos testing. Given that the structure is nearly 60 years old, this oversight is particularly alarming. Later testing conducted by the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) revealed the disturbing truth: about 90,000 square feet of vinyl floor tiles and adhesives contained harmful asbestos.

Failure to Follow Established Protocols

Despite having been previously fined by SRCAA for ongoing unsafe work practices and having received explicit guidance on safe handling procedures, U-Haul’s management seemingly ignored these crucial safety measures. Initial efforts to remediate the hazardous materials were inadequate, involving coating some tiles with epoxy and allowing a certified asbestos removal company to handle only a portion of the problem.

By the time the U-Haul service center opened its doors in March 2023, approximately 7,400 square feet of asbestos-laden materials were still present, raising concerns for the safety of both employees and customers.

A Recipe for Disaster

Reports from mechanics working at the service center indicate that the hazardous floor tiles began popping up under the weight of vehicles, prompting management to instruct workers to simply throw the uprooted tiles in regular trash. Alarmingly, workers unknowingly discarded between 200 to 300 square feet of these hazardous materials without realizing they were handling asbestos.

To make matters worse, workers in different areas resorted to using shovels, putty knives, and even torches to remove tiles, all while lacking any proper protective equipment. The only items they had were disposable gloves and safety glasses, completely insufficient for asbestos handling. None of the employees had undergone training or certification required for safe asbestos removal, making this incident even more egregious.

Investigative Findings: Serious Violations Uncovered

L&I’s thorough investigation unearthed a total of 16 serious violations related to asbestos management, some of which were classified as willful violations. This classification suggests that the company had knowledge of the existing regulations yet chose to disregard them blatantly. Ironically, this incident closely follows a similar asbestos violation involving the same U-Haul franchise owner in California back in 2019.

The Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is not merely a construction hazard; it poses serious long-term health risks, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. The exposure faced by the U-Haul workers raises red flags regarding their health, as the effects of asbestos exposure often manifest years, or even decades, after initial contact.

Consequences and Future Precautions

Following the hefty fine, U-Haul did not contest the citation and agreed to pay the $231,000 fine promptly. The funds will be allocated to Washington’s workers’ compensation supplemental pension fund, which may offer some relief to workers affected by such gross negligence.

This troubling incident serves as a stark reminder for businesses about the importance of adhering to strict safety regulations, especially when dealing with hazardous materials like asbestos. The consequences of neglect can be dire—not only for a company’s bottom line but for the health and well-being of its employees.