U-Haul Fined for Asbestos Exposure Violations
U-Haul is facing a financial penalty after an investigation revealed that mechanics working at its facility were unknowingly exposed to hazardous asbestos-containing materials. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) conducted an in-depth inquiry and subsequently issued a $231,000 fine against the company, citing multiple violations related to unsafe asbestos handling practices and the failure to protect workers from potential health hazards.
Hazardous Renovations and Asbestos Exposure
The violations stem from renovations U-Haul conducted on a former K-Mart building it purchased in 2019. The company moved forward with remodeling efforts without first testing the structure for asbestos – a serious oversight given that the building was nearly 60 years old. It is well known that structures built before the 1980s frequently contain asbestos-laden materials, particularly in flooring, insulation, and adhesives.
The Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (SRCAA) later determined that the facility contained approximately 90,000 square feet of asbestos vinyl flooring and adhesive. When the SRCAA made this discovery, U-Haul was fined and provided with explicit instructions on how to proceed with renovations in accordance with asbestos abatement regulations.
Despite these warnings, U-Haul took inadequate steps to properly address the hazardous materials. While some sections of the flooring were coated with epoxy and a certified asbestos removal company handled a portion of the job, a substantial 7,400 square feet of asbestos tile remained intact. The building was officially opened as a U-Haul service center in March 2023, with the toxic flooring still in place.
Dangerous Work Conditions for Mechanics
As the service center became operational, mechanics working on rental trucks noticed that tiles began to loosen and break under the weight of vehicles and jack stands. Rather than implementing a proper asbestos abatement plan, U-Haul management allegedly instructed workers to dispose of the broken tiles in regular trash bins, failing to inform them that these materials contained asbestos.
Mechanics, unaware of the health risks, discarded an estimated 200 to 300 square feet of asbestos tile fragments in this manner. In addition to the improper disposal practices, workers attempted to remove additional asbestos-containing flooring using makeshift tools such as shovels, putty knives, and even a torch—methods that significantly increase the risk of airborne asbestos exposure.
These workers were only provided with disposable gloves and safety glasses, which offer no meaningful protection against inhaling asbestos fibers. Regulations require that asbestos abatement workers wear proper protective gear, including respirators and specialized suits, to minimize exposure to airborne particles. Additionally, none of the employees engaged in this hazardous removal process had received the necessary training or certification for handling asbestos.
Repeat Violations and Regulatory Action
This franchisee has previously faced asbestos-related safety violations at U-Haul locations. In 2019, a similar incident occurred in Santa Barbara County, California, where employees at another U-Haul facility were instructed to use demolition equipment to remove asbestos-containing flooring from a former K-Mart building. That case also led to citations and fines for non-compliance with asbestos regulations.
Following its investigation of the Spokane facility, L&I identified 16 serious violations, several of which were classified as “willful.” A “willful” violation means that the company either knew or should have known about the safety regulations regarding asbestos but failed to comply. The violations included:
- Failing to test for asbestos before renovations.
- Using uncertified workers for asbestos removal.
- Failing to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Instructing employees to dispose of asbestos-laden materials in regular trash bins.
- Neglecting to warn workers about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
Due to the egregious nature of these violations, U-Haul of Spokane received a total fine of $231,000. The company did not appeal the citation, meaning the penalties will be paid directly to the state’s workers’ compensation supplemental pension fund. This fund provides support for workers who have suffered occupational injuries and illnesses, as well as for the families of those who have lost their lives due to workplace hazards.
The Consequences of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is a severe occupational health risk that can lead to devastating illnesses, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. These diseases often take decades to develop, making early exposure particularly dangerous. Strict regulations exist to ensure that asbestos-containing materials are handled safely by trained professionals to prevent airborne contamination.
Federal and state laws require that companies conduct asbestos testing before beginning renovations on older buildings. If asbestos is found, only certified abatement contractors are permitted to remove or encapsulate the material using specialized procedures that minimize fiber release. Failure to adhere to these regulations endangers workers and the surrounding community.
Industry-Wide Implications and Future Monitoring
The outcome of this case underscores the importance of workplace safety regulations and the need for companies to take asbestos-handling procedures seriously. Regulatory agencies are likely to increase monitoring of U-Haul locations to ensure compliance with asbestos-handling standards in the future.
If you or someone you know may have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, contact us at 412-471-3980 to discuss your case and protect your rights. Our team is committed to advocating for justice and holding those responsible for asbestos exposure accountable.
