Mesothelioma
Asbestos Lawyer Asbestos Exposure Worked with Asbestos? Jobs & Asbestos Exposure Pipe fitters Pipefitters in Washington DC
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Mesothelioma
Asbestos Lawyer Asbestos Exposure Worked with Asbestos? Jobs & Asbestos Exposure Pipe fitters Pipefitters in Washington DC
Asbestos and Heat Stress Problems Bring Citations
AOC and OOC are moving toward resolving OOC’s February 28, 2006, complaint on the deteriorating condition of the tunnels, the tunnel communication system, and emergency exits and the two January 2006 citations for asbestos and heat stress problems.
Both AOC and OOC are discussing proposals to satisfy the applicable legal requirements and enable AOC to resolve the issues in the complaint and the two citations. However, according to OOC officials, some essential provisions that are critical to reaching any settlement, including what hazards will be covered under the agreement, have not to date been accepted by AOC.
Furthermore, OOC officials said they have not been fully successful in obtaining necessary tunnel-related information from AOC on a timely basis. Part of this effort is to understand the extent to which OOC’s Office of General Counsel will be involved in implementing activities to resolve the issues. AOC regularly keeps the General Counsel’s office up to date on the status of tunnel operations and planned repair activities. OOC also says that it has been working amicably with AOC to resolve the complaint and citations. AOC and OOC are also continuing to meet to discuss and resolve new health and safety issues in the tunnels as they arise.
The tunnel workers have expressed concern about the safety of the tunnels due to the presence of asbestos, falling concrete, excessive heat, inadequate emergency exits, and a poor communication system. AOC’s Utility Tunnel Improvement Plan covers these issues for the walkable tunnels, but, as noted, progress in resolving these issues has been limited. The tunnel workers told us they are discouraged and have no clear idea of when the problems will be solved. To improve communication, AOC began holding weekly meetings with the tunnel shop workers in April 2006 to discuss tunnel issues and the actions being taken. However, the tunnel workers have expressed frustration about the lack of progress in addressing their safety and health concerns.
AOC officials noted it has taken several actions to address the safety concerns cited by OOC and the tunnel workers. These actions include the establishment of safety and access control procedures for the tunnels, the requirement that protective equipment and clothing be worn, the upgrade of 15 tunnel entry and exit points, the shoring of delaminated concrete, and improvements to the reliability of the communication system in the tunnels. OOC officials noted that additional concerns in the tunnels, such as mold in one of the steam stations, continue to be identified.
Courtesy of The United States Government Accountability Officesee also:
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