Tennessee VA Hospital Faces Asbestos Violations

A hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee is facing a number of health violations after asbestos was found to be covering pipes in the basement of the facility. Dwight Statum, a 30 year air conditioning mechanic at the VA hospital, who reported the asbestos says, “they knew without a doubt that workplace was not safe.” Federal investigators have looked into the substance and have confirmed that it is asbestos.
Statum has had to work around the asbestos many times during the span of his career. He once repaired one of the pipes covered with the hazardous substance and was given no protective equipment. He now worries about the negative effects, “there’s a good possibility that I will suffer some long term effects from being exposed to asbestos.”
After completing the job, Statum sent the pictures and documents to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The investigation took months and the hospital now faces six violations concerning the asbestos.
Don Beard is responsible for workplace safety at the VA hospital. He says that there is definitely room for improvement and this incident gives them the opportunity. He also says that he believed that employees were aware of the asbestos. Still, there were questions that if the hospital knew about the asbestos, why did it not provide protective equipment and clothing for employees or even mark the area? Beard responded, “We’ve gotten better, but we’re absolutely committed to our veterans health and to our employees health and safety.”
Statum doesn’t agree. “They didn’t do anything about it until they were pushed and received violations from OSHA.” He says even employees that asked for equipment were not given any.
Currently the VA is performing air quality tests. At this point no asbestos contamination in the air has been found. The reports of asbestos come on the heels of the hospital dealing with charges for performing thousands of colonoscopies using unsanitary equipment.

Source:  http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=10259208