Dive Brief:

• Olivet Management LLC is facing a proposed $2,359,000 fine from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for what the agency charges was knowingly letting its own employees and workers from 13 contractors be exposed to asbestos and lead hazards during a cleanup at the former Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center in Dutchess County, N.Y.
• Olivet owns the site and is planning to redevelop it, and OSHA said the work was being rushed so a group of potential investors could tour the site.
• Removing debris, flooring and paint were among the hazardous situations, OSHA said in listing 45 violations, and the agency said the management company did not train workers for safety or measure their exposures.

Dive Insight:

Olivet issued a statement that said it would work with OSHA to address the citations, but it did not appear to take issue with them. The statement appeared to shift the focus to the future, saying, "We have the same goals as OSHA's to ensure that once construction and renovation work is commenced, all workers will be fully protected against any unsafe and unhealthful working conditions."