U-Haul Asbestos Violations Lead to $231,000 Fine

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News Summary

A U-Haul franchise in Spokane, Washington, has been fined $231,000 for exposing employees to hazardous asbestos-containing materials during renovations. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries reported gross negligence, putting workers at risk of developing serious health issues like malignant mesothelioma. The company failed to adhere to safety protocols and rushed to open its facility without proper asbestos removal processes. This incident highlights significant health risks associated with asbestos exposure in workplaces.

U-Haul Franchise in Spokane Faces Major Fines for Asbestos Violations

In a shocking revelation that underscores the dangerous reality of asbestos exposure, employees at a U-Haul franchise in Spokane, Washington were put at serious risk when they were ordered to work in a facility containing asbestos-containing floor tiles and glue. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced recently that U-Haul now faces a hefty $231,000 fine due to gross negligence that exposed workers to health hazards associated with *malignant mesothelioma*.

Renovation Gone Wrong

The trouble began when U-Haul purchased a building that had previously functioned as a K-Mart and commenced renovations without first testing for asbestos. After renovations began, a testing procedure revealed a staggering 90,000 square feet of vinyl floor tiles and glue that contained the toxic substance known to contribute to serious health issues, including mesothelioma.

The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency stepped in, imposing fines on the company and mandating that proper safety measures be adhered to during renovations. Although U-Haul responded by coating some of the contaminated tiles with epoxy and hiring a certified asbestos abatement company for further removal, the company flouted safety protocols by rushing to open the service center before these critical renovation tasks were complete.

Workers at Risk

Reports from U-Haul mechanics indicate that the tiles started popping up shortly after their work began. The weight of vehicles and the use of jackhammers disturbed the tiles, exposing workers to asbestos fibers in the air. Alarmingly, instead of implementing safety measures or informing staff of the potential risks, management instructed employees to dispose of the tiles in regular trash, giving them no warnings about the hazards of asbestos exposure.

Workers found themselves removing the tiles using shovels, putty knives, and even torches—without any protective equipment. This negligence is particularly concerning, considering the known dangers associated with asbestos, which can lead to the development of *malignant mesothelioma*, a deadly cancer linked to inhaling asbestos fibers.

A Pattern of Negligence

This isn’t the first time U-Haul has faced backlash over asbestos safety practices. In 2019, the company was fined for similar infractions at a K-Mart building in Santa Barbara County, where employees were directed to use demolition equipment for the same hazardous flooring without appropriate safety precautions.

Due to these persistent infractions, the money from the current fine imposed on the Spokane U-Haul franchise will be designated for the workers’ compensation supplemental pension fund, indicating that some level of support will go to affected employees who may suffer long-term health consequences from their exposure.

What You Need to Know

The growing concern over asbestos exposure, particularly in workplaces like auto repair shops and franchises like U-Haul, highlights a significant health risk for unprotected workers. As detailed earlier, the consumption of asbestos fibers can lead to severe illnesses such as *malignant mesothelioma*, a disease that typically presents years after the initial exposure.

If you or someone close to you has faced health issues after asbestos exposure, it’s crucial to seek help. Patient Advocates specializing in mesothelioma are available to provide information and support on the next steps, including how to navigate potential legal claims.

Awareness and safety must be prioritized in combating these ongoing issues. As investigations and enforcement actions continue, the hope is that stricter regulations will protect workers from the hidden dangers posed by hazardous materials like asbestos.