A maintenance worker at Florida Tech claims that he was exposed to asbestos while removing dormitory floor tiles. Robert Malfara and other workers were allegedly exposed while removing and breaking apart asbestos-laden floor tiles in Roberts Hall.

Florida Tech, located in Melbourne, FL, received a complaint from Malfara in May of 2008. After filing the complaint, Malfara said that he was “reprimanded” by a supervisor and subsequently contacted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“They couldn’t believe it,” Malfara said. “That’s why OSHA jumped on it right away.”

Officials at Florida Tech say they are “cooperating fully” with OSHA’s investigation. OSHA is attempting to determine why the institution failed to hire a licensed asbestos abatement professional to conduct removal of the toxin. In addition, OSHA will be investigating the institution’s failure to provide respirators and other safety gear to Malfara and his fellow maintenance workers.

Malfara also told OSHA officials that the contaminated area in Roberts Hall, a freshman dorm and one of the biggest and oldest buildings on campus, was not properly sealed off during the time when floor tiles were removed. Concerns over whether or not students may have been exposed to errant asbestos are also going to be addressed.

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