By Patricia Murphy
NWPR
WASHINGTON — The State Department of Corrections has shut down a decades old program staffed by inmates to remove asbestos from prison facilities.The Department of Corrections said the closure was unrelated to a $70,000 fine from the Department of Labor and Industries.
The Department of Labor and Industries determined the DOC exposed inmate workers to asbestos dust, which is a known carcinogen.
The original penalty topped $140,000. It was halved under the settlement agreement. Under the deal the DOC will train about 1,000 employees on how to handle asbestos properly.
They will also buy more safety equipment including respirators. Department of Labor and Industries Elaine Fischer said five of the violations were determined to be willful.
Full story: Washington Department Of Corrections Fined For Unsafe Asbestos Removal Program