Asbestos Litigation

A recent Canadian court decision ruled that an occupational health and safety coordinator failed to properly manage asbestos on a number of properties.

Provincial Court of Nova Scotia Judge A. Peter Ross wrote in a decision that James Della Valle, the coordinator for the Cape Breton Island Housing Authority (CBIHA), did not properly report an asbestos discovery, according to Canadian OH&S News.

"Despite his role as health and safety coordinator, Della Valle did not report these findings to the CBIHA director, who was his supervisor," reads the decision. "He also failed to advise any other management personnel, the employees, contractor employees or the joint occupational health and safety committee. He did not follow up to determine if the measures recommended... were actually being implemented."

The proper management of asbestos at all buildings is essential as the disturbance of the material can cause the mineral fibers to become airborne. If these microscopic fibers are inhaled, they can cause a number of deadly illnesses like asbestosis, malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer.

The World Health Organization estimates that such diseases kill 107,000 people each year around the world.