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SAFETY / OSHA / WORKERS' COMPENSATION — 5/7/07

Queens residential complex faces $117,000 in fines after asbestos hazards exposure

A Queens, New York, residential complex's failure to protect its employees against asbestos hazards has resulted in a total of $117,000 in proposed fines from OSHA. Parkway Village Equities Corp., 81-26 150th St., was cited for nine alleged violations of health and safety standards following an OSHA inspection begun November 1, 2006, in response to a complaint.

Parkway employees whose duties routinely required them to enter crawlspaces known to contain asbestos or presumed asbestos-containing material were not provided with required safeguards. Specifically, OSHA found that Parkway did not monitor the employees' exposure levels; inform them of the presence, location and quantities of asbestos; institute a training program; and label asbestos-containing material.

As a result of these conditions, OSHA issued Parkway four willful citations, carrying $112,000 in proposed fines. Parkway was also issued five serious citations and fined an additional $5,000 for failing to provide appropriate hand, face and eye protection; respirator safety deficiencies, a lack of quick-drenching eyewashes; the absence of a hazard communication program; and failing to properly label and dispose of asbestos-contaminated material. Parkway has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and fines to request and participate in an informal conference with OSHA or to contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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