How OSHA Classifies Working with Asbestos

With any occupation, there is always risk. However, if you’ve been diagnosed with a serious work-related lung ailment, a New York asbestos lawyer can help you build a case against those responsible and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Joseph P. Williams and his team at The Williams Law Firm have built a reputation as advocates for those suffering from illness tied to asbestos. If you live in New York and would like to start building your case, please call 855-575-MESO (6376) today.

THE DANGER OF ASBESTOS

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals used in multiple industries despite the health risk, is an extremely hazardous substance that can cause catastrophic illnesses like mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining that protects organs in the body’s midsection. The only way to develop mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos products.

OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS INVOLVING ASBESTOS

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) creates and enforces regulations designed to protect U.S. employees. Within these workplace regulations, OSHA has developed four categories that classify the potential asbestos risk for a variety of occupations:

• CLASS I: JOBS WHERE WORKERS INTERACT WITH MATERIALS THAT CONTAIN OR ARE SUSPECTED TO CONTAIN ASBESTOS. THIS CATEGORY INCLUDES THE REMOVAL OF INSULATION.
• CLASS II: JOBS WHERE WORKERS REMOVE NON-INSULATION BUILDING MATERIALS CONTAINING ASBESTOS, INCLUDING FLOORING, WALLING, SHEETING, ROOFING AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS.
• CLASS III: REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE JOBS WHERE ASBESTOS MATERIALS ARE LIKELY TO BE DISTURBED.
• CLASS IV: JOBS THAT BRING WORKERS IN CONTACT WITH ASBESTOS BUT DO NOT DISTURB THE MATERIAL. CAN INVOLVE CLEANUP OF DEBRIS FROM JOBS IN CLASSES I THROUGH III.

If you believe you’ve been exposed to asbestos, please contact The Williams Law Firm, P.C., today to schedule a free consultation. Mr. Williams and his team are proud to serve clients throughout New York.