Wisconsin flooring company settles asbestos violations
Handeland Flooring Inc. of Thiensville, Wisconsin has settled a lawsuit brought against them for asbestos violations related to a renovation project they completed at First United Methodist Church in 2007. The flooring company was contracted to remove asbestos floor tiles from the church dining room and hallway and replace them with new flooring. Asbestos is a hazardous substance that was commonly used in building materials through the 1970s. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis, so asbestos work is strictly regulated because of the danger to public health.
The lawsuit alleged that Handeland did not conduct an asbestos inspection prior to beginning the renovation work, as is required by state law. The contractor also failed to provide prior written notice of the renovations to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The asbestos work was undertaken by individuals who had not been properly trained in the control of asbestos emissions, and the asbestos was not kept wet during the project or prior to its disposal. The contractor has agreed to pay $20,000 according to the settlement agreement approved by a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge.
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