This year marks the 54th anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency dedicated to ensuring safe and healthy working conditions. Since its creation on April 28, 1971, OSHA has played an instrumental role in protecting workers across the United States, including here in Louisiana, from hazardous materials like asbestos.
As we celebrate OSHA's contributions, it is more important than ever to support the agency's mission. Federal funding, field offices, and strong enforcement capabilities are essential to keeping workers safe, especially in industries where risks remain high.
Asbestos, a mineral once widely used in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and petrochemical production, has long been recognized for its severe health risks, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Despite the dangers, many workers were exposed to asbestos for years before the full extent of its harm was understood. Louisiana's industrial landscape, particularly its shipyards and manufacturing plants, has made asbestos exposure a serious concern for workers. On this 54th anniversary of OSHA, it's important to reflect on the agency's role in regulating asbestos safety and how its protections continue to impact Louisiana workers today.
OSHA's Role in Asbestos Safety
From the moment OSHA was established, one of its first priorities was to address the risks posed by asbestos exposure. In the early 1970s, the agency set permissible exposure limits (PELs) for asbestos in the workplace. These PELs are designed to limit the amount of asbestos dust workers can be exposed to over an eight-hour workday, helping to prevent the long-term health issues associated with inhaling asbestos fibers.
Over the years, OSHA has updated and refined these standards to reflect the growing body of research on the dangers of asbestos exposure. In the 1980s, OSHA reduced the PEL for asbestos, recognizing that the initial standards were too lenient and failed to adequately protect workers. Today, OSHA's regulations remain a crucial safeguard for workers in Louisiana and across the country. OSHA issues citations, fines, and exposes companies that fail to provide workers with a safe working environment.
OSHA creates requirements for monitoring airborne asbestos concentrations and informing employees of those results. It sets standards for when and what type of respirators must be used in an asbestos-laden workplace. It provides for protective work clothing and equipment like coveralls, face shields, gloves, foot coverings, and goggles. It sets expectations for changing rooms and showers for work areas that have high airborne asbestos exposure levels.
Asbestos in Louisiana's High-Risk Industries
Louisiana has long been home to major industries that have historically used asbestos-containing materials. Industries like shipbuilding, construction, and petrochemical manufacturing have contributed significantly to the state's economy, but they have also exposed many workers to the dangers of asbestos. In Louisiana's shipyards, for example, workers were frequently in close contact with asbestos-laden insulation, pipes, and other materials that put their health at risk.
Despite OSHA's regulations, the harmful effects of asbestos exposure didn't become widely acknowledged until decades after the initial exposure. Louisiana workers who were exposed to asbestos decades ago are still facing the consequences of these delayed protections, with many now suffering from asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
Recent Developments: OSHA's Baton Rouge Office Closure
As OSHA celebrates its anniversary, the agency is facing changes of its own in Louisiana. In March 2025, it was announced that OSHA's Baton Rouge office, an 8,041 sq ft facility costing $187,451 annually, would be closed as part of a federal cost-cutting initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a watchdog established during the Trump Administration. DOGE claims that nationwide asset sales, contract cancellations, and lease terminations have saved over $105 billion to date. OSHA's Baton Rouge office closure is expected to save the government $109,346 annually. But what will it cost Louisiana workers?
While OSHA has not issued an official statement regarding the closure, the loss of a dedicated field office raises serious concerns. OSHA depends on adequate federal funding and a strong local presence to enforce workplace safety standards. Field offices like Baton Rouge are critical for responding quickly to complaints, conducting inspections, and ensuring that Louisiana workers, especially those in high-risk industries, are protected from hazards like asbestos.
Cuts to funding and local resources could leave gaps in oversight, making it harder for workers to access the protections they are legally entitled to under OSHA regulations.
Key OSHA Regulations for Asbestos Safety
OSHA has implemented several regulations to help protect workers from the dangers of asbestos. Here are the key standards that every worker should be aware of:
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Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs): OSHA sets legal limits on the amount of asbestos workers can be exposed to over an 8-hour workday. These limits are designed to reduce the risk of serious diseases caused by asbestos.
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Workplace Assessments: Employers are required to assess their workplaces for asbestos hazards and, if necessary, implement regular monitoring to track exposure levels and ensure they are within safe limits.
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers must be provided with proper PPE, such as respirators and protective clothing, to minimize asbestos exposure.
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Training Requirements: Employers are obligated to provide asbestos awareness training to workers, educating them on the risks and safety measures necessary to avoid exposure. The training must be provided in a language that workers can easily understand.
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Engineering Controls: Where possible, employers must implement engineering controls, such as ventilation systems, to reduce the amount of asbestos dust in the air and further protect workers.
Worker Rights Under OSHA
Despite the progress OSHA has made in regulating asbestos, some workers in Louisiana and across the country continue to face unsafe conditions. It's crucial for workers to know their rights under OSHA's regulations. Some key protections include:
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Right to a safe workplace free from known hazards like asbestos.
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Right to receive training on how to protect themselves from asbestos exposure.
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Right to request an OSHA inspection if you believe your workplace is unsafe.
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Right to file a complaint if you feel your employer is not complying with OSHA's standards, without fear of retaliation.
If you believe your workplace is unsafe due to asbestos exposure or other hazards, you can file a confidential complaint with OSHA and request an inspection. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who report unsafe conditions, and workers who face retaliation have the right to file a whistleblower complaint. If you believe you were injured by an unsafe working condition, contact us for a free case evaluation.
The Cheek Law Firm: Advocating for Louisiana Workers
At The Cheek Law Firm, we are deeply committed to advocating for workers who have been exposed to asbestos and suffered from serious health conditions like mesothelioma. While OSHA's regulations have helped protect many workers, too many were exposed to asbestos without sufficient protections. We work tirelessly to hold employers accountable for their failure to protect workers and to help victims of asbestos-related diseases seek justice.
As we commemorate OSHA's 54th anniversary, we honor the agency's contributions to worker safety while acknowledging that the fight to protect Louisiana's workforce continues. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, we are here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today by calling or completing our intake form, and a member of our team will be in touch to assist you.
