Asbestos Violations at Hospital Demolition Lead to Criminal Charges
- Federal prosecutors on December 13, filed criminal charges after the demolition of the former Lakes Behavioral Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois, exposed workers and the public to asbestos dangers.
- Investigators allege that Alliance Environmental Control, led by Carl Fioravanti, failed to properly remove asbestos despite being contracted for abatement.
- This negligence created hazardous conditions during the 2023 demolition, putting employees and the surrounding community at risk.
- The U.S. Attorney’s Office issued a 24‑count indictment, underscoring the urgent need for strict workplace safety compliance.
Worker’s Death Spurs $1.2M Penalty for Contractor Ignoring Safety Standards
- A Connecticut contractor is facing more than $1.2 million in federal fines after inspectors found ongoing safety violations.
- OSHA reported that the company continued exposing employees to dangerous excavation hazards even after a worker’s death.
- Investigators said the employer failed to implement safeguards required to prevent trench collapses and other risks.
- Regulators emphasized that the penalties reflect repeated disregard for workplace safety standards meant to protect employees from fatal accidents.
CSX Worker Killed in Calera Train Derailment Sparks Safety Concerns
- A CSX worker was killed when a train derailed in Calera, Alabama.
- Authorities identified the victim as 52‑year‑old Charles Harrison, who was on duty at the time of the accident.
- The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation to determine the cause, underscoring the risks faced by rail employees in hazardous environments.
- CSX expressed condolences to Harrison’s family and coworkers.