Maintenance Worker Exposed To Asbestos At Florida University
A maintenance worker was exposed to asbestos back in May while tearing up tile floor located in a dormitory at Florida Tech and the incident has now resulted in a lawsuit. Since June Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators have been looking into the alleged exposure and the reports of their findings are due in December.
According to the maintenance worker, Robert Malfara, he and another worker were not provided with respirators meant to limit the risk of exposure while chipping asbestos-containing floor tiles. Furthermore, Malfara has stated that he and the other worker were not directed to block off the room in which they were conducting the work either which could have led to the exposure of students occupying the area.
Exposure to asbestos-containing materials can lead to a range of health problems with lasting effects. Diseases caused by the dangerous material include mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Often the presence of such diseases is not apparent until many years following initial exposure.
Asbestos was used in a number of building supplies throughout the early to mid 1900’s before the harmful effects of exposure to the substance were discovered.
Malfara claims that after reporting the asbestos exposure incident to his supervisors he was given a written reprimand. Due to the university’s handling of the situation the Occupational Safety and Health Administration immediately took action.
It is reported that the university is now fully complying with the investigation.