September 10, 2013 – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Ford Motor Company for asbestos safety violations at its stamping plant in Buffalo, NY. The company could face over $41,000 in fines for failing to properly protect its employees from asbestos exposure while on the job. The eight violations were classified as “serious,” meaning that Ford knew or should have known that it was putting its employees at risk for “death or serious physical harm”.
Ford Failed to Provide Asbestos Protection to Employees
According to OSHA, in a specific case, a pipefitter at the site was exposed to insulation that contained asbestos in a steam line he was working on. In addition, other employees who regularly came in contact with asbestos-containing materials were not given protective respiratory gear, and areas of potential asbestos exposure were not properly secured. Moreover, the levels of asbestos particles circulating in the air were not properly monitored or regulated.
A Ford spokesperson has said that they fully intend to cooperate with OSHA, but the company doesn’t believe the citations were warranted. Ford says that it values the safety of all its employees, including the 537 people working at the Buffalo plant. The company was given 15 business days to either contest the citations or comply with OSHA’s stipulations.
OSHA is dedicated to protecting employees from asbestos exposure while on the job, and conducts routine investigations to ensure that companies are not putting their employees at risk. Not every work site is completely safe, however, and even major corporations like Ford can fail to protect their employees. If you have been exposed to asbestos at work or have contracted an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma, an experienced asbestos attorney can get you the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Pennsylvania Asbestos Attorneys at Shein Law Advocate for Asbestos Exposure Victims
The asbestos attorneys at Shein Law are dedicated to helping asbestos exposure victims and their families get justice and peace of mind. Our knowledgeable, professional staff will help you through every step of the claim process and make sure that negligent parties are held responsible for their actions. We will treat your case with compassion and care, and give you the personal attention you deserve. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout both states. Call us at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We will gladly meet with you at a location most convenient to you and your family.