Nursing Home Fined After Workers and Residents Exposed to Asbestos

Employers exposed staff and residents of a Missouri residential nursing facility to asbestos by failing to ensure workers safely removed the known carcinogen during a flooring replacement project, according to an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The OSHA inspection at the Bentonview Park Health and Rehabilitation in Monett, Missouri, alleges Eastern Coast Management Inc., SRZ Mgmt Holdings LLC, and SRZ OP Bentonview LLC failed to test for the presence of asbestos, did not erect protective barriers to contain residue, and failed to use respiratory and personal protective equipment to prevent exposure. OSHA inspectors also allege that the three employers had workers remove about 10,000 square feet of floor tiles containing asbestos without completing an asbestos assessment to determine its presence.

“Asbestos is a known human carcinogen released into the air when asbestos-containing materials are removed. Exposure to its fibers can cause irreversible lung damage, which is often undetected for years,” said OSHA Area Director Karena Lorek. “Employers must test building materials before removal and ensure all measures are taken to prevent exposure.”

After its inspection, OSHA cited the three companies for not implementing a respiratory protection program, exposing workers to asbestos hazards, and failing to inform employees of the potential presence of asbestos. Eastern Coast Management, the project’s lead contractor, ­faces proposed penalties of US$105,127. SRZ Mgmt Holdings, the facility’s owner, faces proposed penalties of $95,570. SRZ OP Bentonview, which operates as Bentonview Park Health and Rehabilitation, faces $38,228 in proposed penalties.

All three companies have 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.