An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation in June found that a Leawood, Kansas contractor rehabbing the Firestone, Shankman and Michaelson buildings in Kansas City, Missouri’s historic Troost district is exposing its workers to asbestos and other hazards.
Compass Resources LLC has recently been issued one repeat violation and eight serious violations by OSHA, a Dec. 20 U.S. Department of Labor press release said. Citations include failing to follow respiratory requirements, not providing drinking water and hygiene facilities to employees and the presence of damaged electrical cords at the site. The administration is proposing $223,329 in penalties.
“This employer’s continual disregard for required safety measures is putting workers at risk for serious health issues,” OSHA Area Director Karena Lorek of Kansas City, Missouri said, according to the release. “Breathing asbestos fibers can expose workers to permanent lung damage, cancer and other diseases. OSHA will hold employers responsible when they ignore federal safety regulations put in place to protect the safety and health of workers.”
OSHA previously referred Compass Resources to collections after non-payment of over $186,337 in penalties from prior citations, the release said. The related inspections, conducted in 2018, 2020 and 2021, resulted in citations for asbestos and lead exposure and inadequate safety equipment for employees, among other violations.
“The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission,” the press release said.
