Posted on Tuesday, October 4th, 2016 at 6:58 pm
In a federal court ruling, land developer Anastasios “Taso” Kolokouris was fined $15,000 and sentenced to community service for his violation of asbestos work standards.
Kolokouris was in violation of the Clean Air Act, allowing his employees to be exposed to asbestos, an insulating substance which is a known contributor to mesothelioma and various respiratory and digestive tract cancers. Over 90 bags of asbestos were found in the loading dock area next to Kolokouris’s warehouse, and further inspection found none of the required asbestos warning signs at the site.
Asbestos is not only linked with cancer of the lung, intestine, throat, and kidney, but can also cause asbestosis and damage the immune system. Health officials encourage exercising extreme caution when working with or around asbestos products.
None of the employees exposed to the asbestos had been certified or even trained to work with asbestos. Each employee was awarded $250 in compensation.
When it comes to asbestos exposure, even the slightest bit of employer negligence can endanger an employee’s life. To consult with an experienced New York personal injury lawyer about your asbestos case, contact Hach & Rose, LLP at (212) 779-0057.