The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries said last week it had cited and fined an asbestos removal contractor after two investigations found the company exposed workers to hazardous conditions.
The department cited Lynnwood-based Seattle Asbestos of Washington for 35 “willful” health and safety violations and issued more than $790,000 in fines after inspectors found that the company “knowingly and repeatedly” exposed workers and homeowners to unsafe conditions.
During the first inspection, investigators discovered plastic barriers used to block off an area from asbestos had developed large holes rendering the sheathing useless.
In the second inspection, employees were seen leaving the regulated work area without protective clothing or respirators. In addition, they did not use onsite showers, which is a requirement during asbestos removal work, the department said.
The department issued stop work orders at both locations until the problems are addressed.
Seattle Asbestos of Washington has filed appeals in both cases, the department said