OSHA Sues Idaho Falls School District

An employee was fired for raising concerns about asbestos removal, according to the department.

  • Mar 06, 2015

OSHA announced it has filed a lawsuit against the Idaho Falls School District, alleging that the 2011 dismissal of an employee who raised concerns about asbestos hazards during a construction project at a school violated the whistleblower provisions of the federal asbestos worker protection law, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. The complaint asks for the employee to be reinstated as well as paid back with interest and other damages of more than $300,000.

"Protecting children, teachers, and others who care for them at school should be appreciated, not condemned for any reason. The employee who raised safety concerns in this case did a service to the school and the community," said Galen Blanton, deputy regional administrator in Seattle. "Employees have the legal right to raise concerns about safety, health, and environmental hazards in the workplace without the fear of reprisal."

The employee was concerned that a project's schedule would not allow enough time to follow regulations for asbestos removal and that accidental release of asbestos fibers might occur, according to OSHA. 

Product Showcase

  • SECUPRO MARTEGO

    FOR HIGHEST DEMANDS. A cutting tool in which function and design go hand in hand. Meet the SECUPRO MARTEGO, our prize-winning squeeze-grip safety knife with fully automatic retractable blade for safety. • Ergonomically friendly trigger mechanism to engage the blade • Durable body made of aluminum • Safer alternative to fixed blade utility knives for general cutting tasks • 9 mm Cutting depth • Easy, tool free blade change Dimensions: L 6.10" L x 0.71" W x 1.91" H Weight: 3.70 oz Cutting Depth: 9 mm Read More

  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker WBGT Monitoring for Workplace Safety

    Ensure safety with the Kestrel® 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, the go-to choice for safety professionals and endorsed by the Heat Safety & Performance Coalition. This robust, waterless WBGT meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced monitoring and data logging essential for OSHA compliance. It features pre-programmed ACGIH guidelines and alert settings to quickly signal critical conditions. Integrated with the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network, the 5400 allows managers to view, track, and log job site conditions remotely, ensuring constant awareness of potential hazards. Its capability for real-time mobile alerts and remote data access promotes proactive safety management and workplace protection, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in industrial hygiene. Read More

  • NoiseCHEK Personal Noise Dosimeter

    SKC NoiseCHEK is the easiest-to-use dosimeter available! Designed specifically for OEHS professionals, SKC NoiseCHEK offers the easiest operation and accurate noise measurements. Everything you need is right in your palm. Pair Bluetooth models to your mobile devices and monitor workers remotely with the SmartWave dB app without interrupting workflow. Careful design features like a locking windscreen, sturdy clip, large front-lit display, bright status LEDs, and more make NoiseCHEK the top choice in noise dosimeters. Demo NoiseCHEK at AIHA Connect Booth 1003. Read More

Featured

Most   Popular

Artificial Intelligence