In a stark reminder of workplace safety, New Jersey contractor Jose Correa has pleaded guilty to a serious environmental crime that endangered construction workers in East Harlem, New York.

Jon L. Gleman

During a supermarket renovation project in late 2022, Correa made a dangerous and illegal decision that could have had devastating consequences.

Violation of federal regulations

Instead of hiring certified asbestos abatement professionals, Correa instructed his construction workers to remove asbestos-containing floor tiles and mastic without proper safety equipment. This reckless approach exposed workers to potentially fatal asbestos contamination, violating federal environmental regulations.

Placing workers at imminent risk

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York took swift action. Correa now faces up to one year in prison for negligently releasing asbestos into the air, putting workers at imminent risk of serious injury or death.

Key details of the case include:

• Location — A supermarket in East Harlem, Manhattan.
• Time frame — November to December 2022.
• Violation — Negligent release of asbestos, breaking the Clean Air Act.
• Contractor — Jose Correa, 66, Englewood, New Jersey.

Grave risks

EPA-CID Special Agent Tyler Amon emphasized the grave risks, noting that asbestos exposure can lead to cancer, including mesothelioma, lung disease and serious respiratory conditions. The case serves as a critical warning to contractors about the importance of following safety protocols and hiring qualified professionals for hazardous work.

This prosecution underscores a crucial message: Cutting corners on safety is not only illegal, it can put human lives at direct risk.

Claimants' attorney Jon L. Gelman is the author of "New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Law" and co-author of the national treatise "Modern Workers’ Compensation Law." He is based in Wayne, New Jersey. This blog post is republished with permission.