Asbestos Awareness Initiative
A new initiative for those in the construction trades is aimed at increasing awareness of asbestos and lessening the risk of workers contracting mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases from unsafe exposure.
The initiative is part of the Michigan Asbestos Program with the main goal of assuring that anyone working with asbestos is properly trained and complies with protection regulations. The Asbestos Program helps ensure enforcement of all mandated responsibilities as spelled out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA).
Workers in the construction or maintenance industries who have a risk of being exposed to asbestos containing materials through their jobs are required by OSHA to complete an annual training. This would include custodial staff, plumbers, elevator repair workers, electricians, construction workers, roofers, etc. Asbestos awareness training needs to be done annually by those in any profession where they may come into contact or disturb asbestos containing products.
Asbestos, when intact and in good condition, does not pose a health hazard. However when disturbed, damaged, or removed, asbestos can become airborne, creating a risk of inhaling or ingesting toxic fibers. Once asbestos enters the body, it can cause serious diseases, such as mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is caused when asbestos fibers lodge in the lining of the membrane sacs around the lungs, heart, or abdomen. Decades later, malignant tumors develop, usually causing death within a year of the time of diagnosis.
Millions of workers have been and continue to be exposed to asbestos due to ignorance or negligence in following safety standards. This initiative is a step towards insuring protection against such deadly diseases as mesothelioma.
If you are in one the trades mentioned and are experiencing any health problems, particularly breathing difficulties, consult with a medical doctor immediately. Make sure to share your occupational history and any known exposure to asbestos.
If diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease, an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help you seek compensation for loss of wages and to cover medical treatments. A law firm that specializes in mesothelioma will also be able to share resources and up to date information about the disease and best treatments available.
