U-Haul of Spokane Penalized for Failing to Protect Workers
Asbestos Violations: The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has levied a $231,000 fine against U-Haul of Spokane for exposing employees to hazardous asbestos during a building renovation. The company failed to conduct required asbestos testing before starting construction at a former K-Mart building, despite its 60-year-old structure, which raised an obvious risk of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Discovery of Asbestos Contamination
Asbestos Violations: After the renovation had already begun, the Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency conducted an inspection and found that approximately 90,000 square feet of vinyl floor tiles and adhesive contained asbestos fibers. While U-Haul initiated some remediation efforts, nearly 7,400 square feet of asbestos-laden materials remained when the company’s service center officially opened in March 2023.
Worker Safety Violations
Employees unknowingly handled asbestos without proper safety measures, putting them at significant risk of long-term respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. According to L&I’s findings:
- Mechanics working on-site removed and discarded damaged tiles containing asbestos without using protective gear or undergoing mandatory asbestos safety training.
- U-Haul did not properly inform employees about the presence of hazardous materials or implement correct handling procedures.
- The company failed to follow Washington’s strict asbestos abatement laws, which require testing, containment, and professional remediation before renovation work begins.
As a result, L&I issued 16 serious violations, some classified as willful, meaning the company knowingly disregarded worker safety regulations.
Pattern of Negligence?
This case is not an isolated incident. A U-Haul franchise owner in California was cited for a similar asbestos-related violation in 2019, raising concerns about recurring safety failures within the company. Regulatory agencies may now increase scrutiny on U-Haul’s business practices, particularly regarding workplace safety and hazardous material compliance.
Potential Health & Legal Consequences
Asbestos exposure is a serious occupational hazard, with long-term health effects that may take decades to appear. Employees exposed to asbestos without proper precautions could face severe lung diseases, leading to potential lawsuits against the company. Given U-Haul’s previous violation history, this latest fine could open the door for further regulatory action or worker compensation claims.
What’s Next for U-Haul?
L&I has stated that strict enforcement measures are necessary to prevent future asbestos-related violations. U-Haul is expected to either appeal the fine or submit a corrective action plan outlining steps to improve safety protocols.
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Read the full violation report here.