Chicago roofers exposed to dangerous asbestos hazards

Employer names: Continental Contractors, Niles, Illinois and Local Roofing Inc., Gurnee, Illinois

Citations received: Oct. 16, 2015

Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Chicago North Area Office cited a contractor and subcontractor for exposing workers to asbestos hazards while replacing a commercial roof in the 4200 block of N. Knox in Chicago.

Continental Contractors was cited for 11 serious violations carrying proposed penalties of $21,600.Local Roofing, which had been subcontracted to demolish, remove and replace the building's roofing system, was issued nine serious violations carrying proposed penalties of $48,510.

The companies were cited for failing to:

• Conduct an exposure assessment for asbestos.
• Establish a respiratory protection program.
• Use engineering controls such as a HEPA vacuum and dry sweeping to clean-up material likely to contain asbestos.
• Train workers on asbestos hazards.
• Provide personal protective clothing.

Quote: "Asbestos exposure can cause chronic lung disease and cancer. No worker should be exposed to this potentially life-ending substance without being trained and provided protective equipment," said Angeline Loftus, OSHA's area director for the Chicago North office in Des Plaines.

View citations: Continental Contractors, Local Roofing