ConDig (21-Dec–21).  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined a Leawood, Kansas-based contractor $223,329 for exposing workers to asbestos and other workplace hazards.

The agency cited Compass Resources LLC for failing to follow federal respiratory protection requirements, provide drinking water and hygiene facilities, and remove damaged electrical cords. 

OSHA issued one repeat violation and eight serious violations, while it also issued a hazard alert letter for asbestos and heat stress exposure.

The contractor was revamping the Firestone, Shankman and Michaelson buildings in Kansas City’s historic Troost commercial district.

“This employer’s continual disregard for required safety measures is putting workers at risk for serious health issues,” said OSHA area director Karena Lorek in Kansas City, Missouri. “Breathing asbestos fibers can expose workers to permanent lung damage, cancer and other diseases. OSHA will hold employers responsible when they ignore federal safety regulations put in place to protect the safety and health of workers.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Earlier this month, OHSA fined a Queens, New York, contractor $374,603 for failure to provide and ensure the use of effective fall protection safeguards.

In August, OSHA fined a Millersburg, Ohio-based contractor and its owner $136,453 for exposing workers to deadly fall hazards for the sixth time in three years.

The agency said inspectors observed roofers employed by JMH Roofing LLC working up to 24 feet off the ground on a worksite in April.