Workers’ safety a priority

The Jan. 25 article about the upcoming toxic cleanup at Kaiser described all the potential environmental concerns but nothing about the safety for workers that will remove pollutants.

In 1988, as an environmental health specialist for the Spokane Health District, I was involved in a case where a number of temporary workers hired by General Electric became seriously ill after cleaning PCB sludge at the Trentwood plant. Workers were exposed to strong cleaning solvents and were provided minimal protection from cleaning agents being used. The whole case could’ve been avoided if proper safety measures were followed. The case went to trial, and on July 13, 1994, workers were awarded $13 million.

One worker told reporter Lynda Mapes: “Money can’t replace my health,” and “I’ve been cheated out of my life.” Appealed in December 1994, the settlement was reduced to $1.5 million.

I have thought of this case many times over the years, hoping remaining workers are OK. I learned recently that the worker Mapes interviewed in 1994 died in 2003.

I’m sure safety requirements of today are emphasized more than in 1988 – so although we all appreciate and want protections for the environment, workers’ safety should be first and foremost.

Diane Nebel

Rosalia, Wash.