Port Authority Exposes Workers to Toxic Dust
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A recent report brings to light the waste of money that has occurred in the reconstruction of the Goethal's Bridge administration and maintenance complex. In these cash-strapped economic times, the cost of the Port Authority construction project ballooned from $17.9 million to $28 million. The 56% increase in the cost was blamed on a work stoppage necessary when numerous Port Authority worker's complained of exposure to toxins.
The move was not contemplated as the Port Authority tried to save money, at the worker's expense, by leaving them to work at the facility while construction went on around them. The construction was necessary to upgrade the building's HVAC and replacement of the fire alarm system and sprinklers. The areas under construction were blocked off by plastic tarps and fans, but worker's still complained that their uniforms would have dust all over them just from walking down a hallway.
More than 12 Port Authority workers have already filed workers' compensation claims for respiratory illness caused by their exposure to asbestos, lead and other toxic substances released into the air during the construction. About 80 civilian and police employees work out of the facility, which means that there is the potential for many more claims to be filed. Many employees feel that the Port Authority put money ahead of their safety, a charge with the Port Authority denies. Unfortunately, in this current economic climate, the risk to employees is no longer going to be at the forefront of any conversation. It is all too clear that the Port Authority tried to cut corners in this project and placed its workers in a position of danger, unnecessarily exposing them to potentially life-threatening diseases. Ultimately, the true cost of this project won't be known for many years to come.
