A judge in Ohio has charged the owner of a former steel mill for what the judge described as “massive asbestos violations.”
There were sloppy practices during demolition of the Weirton Steel Mill in Ohio, and the court found that the owners showed a flagrant disregard for asbestos handling and removal laws. Workers were not instructed to check or remove the toxic material before demolition, and once they did discover asbestos, they handled it in an improper manner. The owners also failed to notify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of their intention to remove asbestos from the mill.
A History of Asbestos in the Workplace
Asbestos was used in American steel mills throughout the 20th century, so it is not unusual to come across the toxic material when working in an older building. Asbestos may have been used in building products or could have been used as insulation. Individuals that worked in steel mills were constantly exposed to the carcinogenic material.
The real tragedy of mesothelioma cancer is that many industrial employers are well aware of the dangers of asbestos when they exposed their workers to grave risks. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer or another form of asbestos-related disease, contact our Louisiana mesothelioma attorneys to review the merits of your case and to discuss what options may be available to you.
[Tip of the Week: If you have been exposed to asbestos, take action and tell your doctor. Most people do not show signs of asbestos-related disease for 10 to 20 years after exposure.]
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C.– Louisiana mesothelioma lawyers