Asbestos-Filled Home Renovation Leads to Fines:
You may have heard about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the importance of following safety procedures when renovating or constructing an older building with asbestos inside. But what happens when renovators don’t follow the proper guidelines to keep people safe? A recent case in Washington serves as a cautionary tale.James Thorpe and Chris Walters, and their Seattle businesses Northlake Capital & Development and 3917 Densmore LLC were fined nearly $800,000 for improper and unsafe asbestos handling. The investigation by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health culminating in 11 serious and willful violations.The building in question was initially purchased by Northlake Capital, which is owned by James Thorpe. Thorpe then created 3912 Densmore and made Northlake employee Christ Walters the sole member of the new corporation and the intended homeowner. Some neighbors initiated the investigation when they saw workers improperly removing asbestos tiles from the exterior of the home on the weekend. After confronting Mr. Walters, who claimed to be the homeowner, workers continued to improperly dispose of asbestos materials, putting neighbors and neighborhood children at risk.Because neither Mr. Walters not Mr. Thorpe would take responsibility for the building and the work, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health ended up issuing fines to both men and both companies. Thorpe and Northlake were each fined $214,100 and Walters and 3917 Densmore were each fined $180,500, for a total of $789,200 in fines. Violations included using uncertified workers to remove asbestos; not using a certified asbestos supervisor; and not obtaining an asbestos good faith survey before beginning work. The men and their companies were also cited for not using water; failing to keep asbestos tiles intact during removal; lack of proper personal safety equipment for workers; not monitoring the air during removal; and not having a written accident prevention program.Asbestos is extremely harmful, and exposure can lead to diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Only a certified asbestos abatement contractor following all related health and safety rules may remove and dispose of building materials containing asbestos.If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. For a FREE consultation, call the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO (6376) or contact us here.
