Alabama Asbestos Regulations – Deadlines, Liability, & Lawsuits

There are many work environments in Alabama where someone could be exposed to asbestos. Mining, manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are just a few of the highest-risk sectors in the Alabama economy where workers might be exposed to asbestos. Alabama asbestos regulations are meant to curb the health risks of asbestos in the workplace, and it’s important to know what you can do if you believe your employer has failed to meet their requirements.

Important Alabama Asbestos Regulations

At the state level, the Alabama Health, Mental Health, and Environmental Control Code includes various rules and regulations pertaining to asbestos. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Air Division is the state agency responsible for identifying hazards and enforcing Alabama asbestos regulations, and there are also federal regulations for workplaces enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

There are about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States each year. Additionally, each year in the United States, about 2,500 people die of mesothelioma. Many of the people exposed to asbestos are exposed while working, and most of the Alabama asbestos regulations pertain to expected workplace practices. There are also specific regulations pertaining to asbestos found in residential buildings, such as during home renovation projects.

Most of these regulations pertain to expected practices when asbestos is identified and/or disturbed by work. For employers, any employer handling a project that poses a known asbestos exposure risk must follow all applicable rules for permissible exposure levels, and this sometimes requires air and chemical testing.

Workers must also be provided with effective safety equipment, especially respiratory protection. If there is any recognized disturbance of asbestos during work, the employer should cease work immediately and follow applicable guidelines for addressing the situation. Chemical and air testing may be necessary before some types of work can continue.

There are also Alabama asbestos regulations pertaining to the disposal of asbestos once it is located. Only properly certified contractors are allowed to conduct asbestos abatement and removal operations, and disposal must follow very specific rules as well. Asbestos-containing materials need to be sealed in leak-tight containers and transported in enclosed vehicles with accompanying manifests.

What to Do About Asbestos Exposure in Alabama?

The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, and most of the people diagnosed with this condition each year develop it because of asbestos exposure at work. It can take many years for the disease to progress, and life expectancy is quite low once a diagnosis is confirmed. About 65% of people who receive chemotherapy for mesothelioma live for three or more years. Various factors can influence projected outcomes for mesothelioma patients.

If you believe you developed mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure at work, or if you think that your employer has failed to follow Alabama asbestos regulations, it is crucial to consult an experienced attorney as quickly as possible. The Alabama mesothelioma attorneys at Wallace & Graham have years of experience handling a wide range of toxic exposure cases in Alabama, including mesothelioma cases, and we are ready to put this experience to work for you.

If a current or former employer is responsible for your mesothelioma diagnosis, you will need an experienced attorney’s help to build your case. You may need to review extensive documentation, and you will also need an attorney’s help to accurately calculate the full extent of your claimable damages. You also have limited time to file your case. You may have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim, mesothelioma injury trust claim, or personal injury suit.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Safety Guidelines for Asbestos in Alabama?

A: The safety guidelines for asbestos in Alabama pertain to all projects involving construction, renovation, or demolition where asbestos exposure is a risk. Only certified individuals may handle asbestos, and removal of asbestos-containing materials may only be conducted according to the rules set forth by the state. These rules intend to minimize the risk of asbestos-related health hazards.

Q: What Activities Are Prohibited in an Asbestos Abatement Regulated Area?

A: OSHA prohibits certain activities in all asbestos abatement-regulated areas. When any type of work is being done that involves any risk of asbestos exposure, OSHA prohibits anyone in the area from eating, drinking, chewing tobacco or gum, smoking, or applying cosmetics. These prohibitions are intended to minimize the risk of asbestos inhalation or ingestion, and site supervisors are required to ensure these prohibitions are followed at all times.

Q: How Much Asbestos Exposure Can Cause Mesothelioma?

A: Any amount of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. It is possible for a single exposure to cause the disease, but it is also possible for someone to be exposed and never develop mesothelioma. Generally, more frequent exposure to high levels of asbestos significantly increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Additionally, some people are genetically predisposed to developing mesothelioma and other cancers.

Q: What Are the OSHA Rules for Asbestos?

A: The OSHA rules for asbestos are meant to minimize workers’ risks of exposure to asbestos. Employers are generally required to follow permissible exposure limits, provide appropriate safety equipment to all workers, implement specific work practices and engineering controls, and provide respiratory equipment whenever necessary. Failure to follow these rules can not only lead to fines and other penalties from OSHA but also civil liability for workers’ damages.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer if I’ve Been Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?

A: It’s a good idea to hire a lawyer if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. You may have various legal options that you will not know how to fully investigate on your own, and due to the speed at which the disease progresses, time is a crucial factor in your case. Working with an experienced attorney can significantly improve your chances of success with any legal efforts you attempt following your diagnosis.

The team at Wallace & Graham has years of experience handling all types of mesothelioma and toxic exposure cases in Alabama, and we are ready to put this experience to work for you. Alabama asbestos regulations aim to ensure safer work environments in high-risk industries, and when employers fail to meet their obligations, they are liable for resulting damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can help with your case.