The owners of a New York asbestos-removal school are being charged with failing to properly train their workers.

Authorities believe the employers were allowing their students to cheat on their state certification exams.

Husband and Wife Accused

According to the Queens district attorney, the husband and wife owners of the Senagryph Training Facilities gave out answers to those taking the exam.

The team was caught when undercover detectives took the exam and were openly enabled to cheat.

Prosecutors also claim that foreign laborers were illegally encouraged to use false Social Security numbers in order to attain their asbestos removal licenses.

Workers Put Public In Danger

Reports show that some of these workers performed asbestos inspections and worked on government construction projects, which allowed them access into security zones at bridges, tunnels and airports.

“The defendants’ alleged willingness to circumvent necessary safeguards had the potential of endangering the health, safety and well-being of not just those performing asbestos abatement work, but anyone else who would have been working in the area that the work was done,” explained District Attorney Richard A. Brown.

Certification and Training Required

New York state requires special training and a certification from all those who work removing asbestos.

If asbestos is removed improperly it can have detrimental affects on the workers as well as the general public.

When asbestos is ripped out and discarded, it can release clouds of cancer-causing dust to all those who are exposed.

(Source: Newsday)

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