Washington’s McNeil Island State Prison fined for willful and serious asbestos violations

Oct 13, 2008

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries has fined McNeil Island State Prison $24,800 for “willful” and “serious” asbestos violations that resulted in at least 8 inmates, 8 prison employees and a flooring crew being exposed to airborne asbestos in 2007. Despite complaints and concerns from the inmates, supervisors forced them to remove asbestos-containing vinyl floor tiles held down with asbestos cement—with no respiratory protection or other precautions. Prison officials claim they thought everything was okay and that asbestos regulations didn’t apply to the work, although the prison does not contest the facts set out by the Department of Labor and Industries. Two supervisors on the project were certified to handle asbestos abatement and should have known how to handle the asbestos removal; they remain Department of Corrections employees and have not received any disciplinary action for their part in the asbestos violations.

Apparently, the inmates working on the project were more aware of the danger than the supervisors, but they had no power to protect themselves. Inmates were told the materials were asbestos containing but that they weren’t dangerous. And inmates who asked to use water to keep down the dust were told dust control wasn’t needed.

The Department of Corrections has appealed the penalties, requesting a reduction in the severity of the some violation rulings. Prison officials have also asked if a portion of the money the prison is to pay in fines could instead be used to train maintenance workers and supervisors to prevent any future asbestos violations.

Inhaling airborne asbestos fibers, which can be released when asbestos-containing products are disturbed for removal, can cause serious respiratory illnesses and certain forms of cancer, including lung cancer and a very aggressive cancer called mesothelioma.

For the full story, go to the Tacoma News Tribune.

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