News Coverage
Asbestos Removal Lacked Safeguards, Workers Claim
Members of Housing Authority crew say they removed hazardous tiles without use of protective gear. Official admits 'disconnect' in projects
Published June 22, 2004
Los Angeles Housing Authority workers said that until earlier this month, they for years had routinely removed asbestos-laden tiles without wearing respirators and while tenants were still in their apartments.
After Cal/OSHA officials launched an investigation that was triggered by worker complaints, Housing Authority officials agreed in a June 7 internal memo to contract with asbestos experts to remove tiles and linoleum "due to the possibility of asbestos-containing materials."
A group of Housing Authority employees said they complained to agency management for five years that they lacked the proper protective gear to remove tiles and other flooring from hundreds of old apartments operated by the city authority.
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