Staff Exposed to Asbestos at Prison in Dublin, C.A

10 Jun 2024

Asbestos continues to present a risk to human health, something that’s again been highlighted by a news story emanating from a very familar-sounding city from across the Atlantic - Dublin. It appears that staff members and inmates at a prison in Dublin, California, were exposed to the deadly material in contravention of the law. 

After a whistleblower came forward, investigators found evidence of incarcerated women being made to strip and buff asbestos-containing flooring tiles - something that breaks U.S. OSHA ( Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards. 

Further Investigations Possible 

There have been calls for this oversight by the US Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons to be investigated, with full disclosure being given as to the exposure of staff and inmates, with AFGE Assistant General Counsel Ward Morrow making the case. Proper medical surveillance of the affected people has also been requested.

Bureau of Prisons spokesman Emery Nelson is welcoming any and all recommendations made as part of the investigation, stating that ‘corrective action’ has already been made in relation to the expressed concerns. As such, any future projects at the facility will not be permitted until it’s clear whether they involve asbestos-containing materials. 

The Continued Global Threat of Asbestos

Of course, this is a new story from the US rather than Ireland, but it's indicative of a continuing problem that threatens human life worldwide. While the material is no longer actively used in manufacturing or construction in many countries, it still resides in buildings and products created before it became outlawed. 

This news article also serves as a reminder of the importance of carrying out asbestos surveys before carrying out any sort of work in an area where the material might be present. The best rule of thumb to follow is - if you’re not 100% sure, ask an asbestos expert. 

To find out more about asbestos and occupational hygiene consultation services we offer at OHSS, visit us today at www.ohss.ie. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to speak to our team about anything relating to the control or management of asbestos, call us today on 01 6905907.

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