Asbestos and Post Office Workers

Post office workers are among the many people who’ve faced asbestos exposure in the past due to extensive use of the toxic substance in postal buildings. Some post office workers continue to deal with asbestos problems today and are regularly put at risk of developing life-threatening illnesses.

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

The EPA and Post Offices

In 1979, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed strict regulations on asbestos use at job sites. Most job sites, including post offices, phased out asbestos use.

Yet, most post offices built before the EPA’s regulations remain open today. This means that several post offices constructed with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still in use.

If post office facilities aren’t maintained properly, the older offices may present asbestos exposure, not only to workers, but also to guests who come to the post offices to simply pick up mail or drop off a package.

Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of toxic illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.

Government Watchdog Group Exposes Asbestos at Post Offices

In 2016, watchdogs for the government revealed that there are a number of post offices across the U.S. that are possibly exposing workers to toxins, including asbestos. According to a report provided by The Daily Caller:

“The Postal Service must improve adherence to building maintenance, safety and security standards, and employee working condition requirements at its retail facilities. cleaning and general maintenance and repairs” and “concerns for health, safety and security.”

The report also added that most of the post offices had “locked or blocked emergency exits, asbestos and mold, improper storage of flammable materials, insect infestation, trip hazards, and exposed electrical outlets and switches, as well as sanitary issues.”

Although the names of the post offices weren’t provided, earlier this year, a Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, postal worker contacted a local newspaper, The Daily Tribune, and alerted them about a potential asbestos problem at the W. Alabama Street location.

The complaint was submitted after several workers began experiencing respiratory illnesses and chronic coughing, according to the story.

Local postmaster Cindy Anderson responded to the complaint. She stated she conducted a 6-month investigation. After signing a form indicating that she understood that the post office building was identified as containing asbestos, she added,

“I conducted my 6-month inspection. I have identified damaged tiles. I have been in contact with Dallas Safety. We have temporarily repaired tiles as instructed by Dallas safety. I have reported the facility for the landlord to repair.”

Cindy Anderson

The newspaper questioned the post office about potential asbestos exposures. The post office workers were reportedly required to watch a video on the hazards of asbestos. The postal workers were warned that they should never talk to the media about any asbestos issues.

A few days later, Arlene A. Sanchez, with the Dallas, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma Districts of the U.S. Postal Service, wrote that the post office works with OSHA to identify and correct any asbestos-related problems immediately.

“During the most recent visual inspection which was conducted less than two weeks ago, we discovered damage to some floor tiles in the facility.  All OSHA regulations are being followed and the areas where damage was found have been treated, using an interim employee-protective measure which will remain in place until abatement is completed.

We are currently working with the building owner regarding the abatement.  Signs advising that asbestos is present in the facility are posted.  All work-related illnesses and injuries are handled through the Office of Workers’ Compensation.”

 Arlene A. Sanchez

When The Daily Tribune reached out to OSHA, there was no report of the organization working with that particular post office, nor had anyone from the post office notified them about asbestos.

Meanwhile, post office workers stated that the loose tiles, which were built with ACMs, were simply repaired with cardboard.

OSHA Asbestos Violation at an Indiana Post Office

In April 2016, OSHA placed a proposed fine of nearly $50 million on a southern Indiana post office, for violating numerous asbestos laws. The West Baden Springs post office, specifically, has allegedly:

• Failed to provide safety training to their employees regarding the dangers of asbestos
• Failed to properly clean up messes and spills around areas in which asbestos could be disrupted
• Failed to label areas where asbestos was present
• Failed to use dry sweeping

The Indiana post office is just one among a number of post offices across the U.S. that continue to place postal workers at risk.

Asbestos contains microscopic fibers that are undetectable to the human eyes. The fibers are also odorless and tasteless and are easily ingested/inhaled without being noticed.

Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, while the body may dispel some of them, other fibers become lodged in the body and attach themselves to the linings of major organs. This can cause serious illness in some people.

If you or a loved one worked or works for the post office, specifically in buildings that were built before the early to mid-1980s, you should undergo routine medical check-ups. Be sure to tell your physician that you may have been exposed to asbestos. Contact an asbestos attorney to find out how you can seek compensation.

Additional Help and Resources for Asbestos Victims

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related cancer there is a good chance you qualify for significant compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.