Among the general population the awareness of the dangers associated with asbestos is probably relatively low. And among those who are aware of the substance’s dangers, many people likely have very little idea exactly why asbestos is dangerous. But among the population of building renovators and contractors, knowledge of asbestos and its dangers is considerably high, which is why a recent case in which a contractor mishandled asbestos is resulting in jail time.
South Carolina contractor David Braswell’s company, Cool Cote LLC, was selected to remove siding panels at a local Myrtle Beach hotel in 2009. Instead of properly handling the asbestos which was contained in the siding, Braswell allowed the substance to blow on to the beach, in violation of the federal Clean Air Act. This kind of reckless behavior not only put half beach goers at risk, but it also put areas of the beach at risk of contamination.
Braswell was indicted last year, after it was found that he and his company did not provide protection to the employees who were conducting the operations or file for the proper inspections. Braswell was recently convicted of not only mishandling the asbestos, but also misleading authorities. He was sentenced to six months in prison, six months of home confinement, three years’ probation, and a $10,000 fine.
Materials containing asbestos containing are practically ubiquitous in the United States and across much of the Western world. As can be seen here, despite the fact that many employers are aware of the dangers, many of them continue to put their employees in harm’s way. If you have become ill with asbestos related disease, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma, contact the Law Office of Brayton Purcell, LLP at (800) 598-0314 immediately, or contact us online for a free consultation.
