Michaels and OSHA Blast Illinois Construction Firm, Manager

"Kehrer Brothers Construction brought non-English-speaking workers to the U.S. and knowingly exposed them to asbestos," said Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels. "Kehrer also threatened to fire his employees if they spoke with our investigators. This is outrageous, illegal behavior. We at OSHA will do everything in our power to ensure this employer stops endangering his employees."

OSHA lowered the boom on two Illinois companies, Albers, Ill.-based Kehrer Brothers Construction and a Kehrer-affiliated company, D7 Roofing, on Aug. 10, along with a manager, Joseph Kehrer, by citing Kehrer Brothers and Joseph Kehrer for 40 violations, issuing $1,792,000 in proposed penalties, and placing Kehrer Brothers in the OSHA Severe Violator Enforcement Program. The agency said its investigation of work done by the companies' employees at a former elementary school in Okawville, Ill., found that at least eight workers were exposed to asbestos fibers while they removed floor tiles, insulation, and other materials.

According to OSHA's news release, many of the workers came to the United States to work for Kehrer under the provisions of the H-2B visa program that allows companies to hire foreign workers temporarily.

"Kehrer Brothers Construction brought non-English-speaking workers to the U.S. and knowingly exposed them to asbestos," said Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels. "Kehrer also threatened to fire his employees if they spoke with our investigators. This is outrageous, illegal behavior. We at OSHA will do everything in our power to ensure this employer stops endangering his employees."

OSHA cited Kehrer and Kehrer Brothers for 16 egregious, nine willful, and six serious violations for failing to warn employees of the hazard, failing to ensure workers used respirators and appropriate work methods, and failing to train them about the hazards of working around asbestos.

OSHA cited D7 Roofing for one serious violation and two willful violations for not training the workers or informing them about the presence of asbestos-containing material and also failing to conduct inspections as required by law. Proposed penalties total $147,000.

Product Showcase

  • Full Line of Defense Against Combustible Dust Nilfisk

    Nilfisk provides a comprehensive range of industrial vacuums meticulously crafted to adhere to NFPA 652 housekeeping standards, essential for gathering combustible dust in Class I, Group D, and Class II, Groups E, F & G environments or non-classified settings. Our pneumatic vacuums are meticulously engineered to fulfill safety criteria for deployment in hazardous surroundings. Leveraging advanced filtration technology, Nilfisk ensures the secure capture of combustible materials scattered throughout your facility, ranging from fuels, solvents, and metal dust to flour, sugar, and pharmaceutical powders. Read More

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

  • 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

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars