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Wisconsin college dealing with asbestos concerns
The Wisconsin state Department of Commerce is dealing with fallout from a recent report relating to violations at the University of Wisconsin-Stout campus. The Department of Commerce was forced to retract the report, which listed 51 occupational safety and health violations uncovered in a recent investigation. The investigation was spurred by asbestos-related concerns raised by employees at the school.
"There are some things lacking in that order that are key elements for us, like a date of issuance, appeal rights, a signature," Commerce Department spokesman Tony Hozeny said. "It will be rewritten, and until it is, we can't comment on it."
"We're glad to hear that the Department of Commerce is taking another look at this report," said Doug Mell, executive director of communications for the university. "We're obviously going to have to withhold judgment until we see what the revised report says, but it's a positive step, and we're glad they did it."
"The original findings primarily related to state projects under construction this summer (by the Division of State Facilities), the need for an improved chemical hygiene plan and upgrades to other safety training plans," Mell added. "Unfortunately, in our opinion, many of the findings contained inaccuracies, did not fully disclose all of the facts or were not reasonable."
The asbestos investigation was a matter that was taken very seriously, as exposure to even a small amount of asbestos can cause serious health problems. Mesothelioma is one of the most grave asbestos-related ailments. Mesothelioma can develop over the course of several decades. The cancer, which affects thousands each year, can kill months of being diagnosed in some cases.
"UW-Stout strives at all times to maintain a healthy and safe environment for everyone on campus," Mell said. "There was no evidence in the report that any employee, student or member of the public sustained any injury or other harm because of the alleged events."