Companies in Washington Fined Over $800,000
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced that two asbestos removal contractors were facing a combined $800,000+ in fines for knowingly and repeatedly exposing employees and the public to extremely hazardous conditions. One of the firms was cited with 13 willful serious violations in connection with two separate June 2021 inspections for intentional disregard of asbestos regulations and continuing to pursue and complete abatement work without certification or a contractor’s license. The other asbestos removal company faces 10 willful serious citations.
L&I warned:
Asbestos is extremely hazardous and can cause potentially fatal diseases like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Only a certified abatement contractor that follows specific asbestos-related safety and health rules may remove and dispose of asbestos-containing building materials.
Inspectors reportedly observed an employee of Above and Beyond removing a popcorn ceiling in a Bothell home. When informed of the contractor’s license suspension, they reportedly left without arranging to clean up debris that L&I confirmed contained asbestos.
At a Burien home, investigators reportedly found the son of Above and Beyond’s owner removing flooring that contained asbestos. The son, who like his father, is reportedly not certified for asbestos abatement, said he was unaware the company was decertified and unfamiliar with air monitoring and containment requirements.
In total, Above and Beyond was fined $575,000 and cited for 13 willful serious violations for intentional disregard of asbestos regulations and continuing to pursue and complete abatement work without certification or a contractor’s license.
Building owners and construction contractors both share responsibility for asbestos testing when doing work on the building. A good faith inspection for asbestos, performed by an AHERA-certified building inspector is required before any remodel, repair, removal, or other work that could disturb suspect materials.
Get an asbestos survey performed by an AHERA-certified building inspector prior to any construction, renovation, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition project regardless of the age of the building.
Both building owners and contractors are subject to a mandatory $600 per day fine if an asbestos good faith inspection is not performed.
Provide this survey to any contractors bidding on the project. Subcontractors and all workers who will be working must also be provided with the survey, and a copy must be posted at the worksite.
If you have asbestos-containing materials that could be impacted during the work, hire a certified asbestos contractor to abate the asbestos.
4 Aces Restoration has been inspected by L&I more than a dozen times since 2016.
As a result of the three recent inspections, L&I imposed 10 willful serious citations and $227,439 in fines.
AHERA certified building inspector
CALL US FOR ASBESTOS TESTING 425.608.9553 Asbestos samples MUST be sampled by an Accredited AHERA Asbestos Inspector by State Law.