Crisis Management

Restoring Trust During Asbestos Renovation in a High-Stakes Environment

The Challenge – relocate the entire workforce or risk shutting down the project.

Staff fears of the unknown and health effects related to the possible airborne asbestos particulate during a planned four year extensive, staged occupancy renovation of an international organization’s headquarters building presented a crisis situation. The large-scale proportions of which created a dilemma by almost compelling the relocation of 2,300 personnel for the entire renovation period or halting the $430 million dollar LEED Gold standard project. In spite of the organization’s safety assurances, the Employee Membership Association (EMA) raised serious concerns, citing:

  • Lack of clear information
  • Distrust of internal communication
  • Fear of airborne asbestos exposure
  • Concerns for children’s health in onsite childcare facility

BHS Role: Independent, Credible Environmental Advocate

With our unique combination of medical and building science expertise, BHS was sought to serve as the independent voice of trust between the organization, contractors, and staff.

Phase 1: Independent Review

BHS’ physician conducted an independent review of the contractors’ asbestos abatement plans, resulting in more rigorous safety and exposure controls related to:

  • Asbestos and hazardous materials protocols – night work only
  • Potential staff asbestos exposure in occupied space
  • Air quality monitoring and communication procedures
  • Enhanced OSHA, EPA, and WHO standards to the strictest international standards

Rebuilding Confidence Through Communication

BHS led an intensive series of stakeholder meetings and risk communication efforts:

  • Met with EMA representatives and childcare parents
  • Met with contractors and facilities teams for procedural alignment
  • Conducted staff tours of containment mock-up and delivered health briefings
  • Explained enhanced building pressurization protocols developed by BHS building scientists to mitigate fugitive particulate.

Phase 2: Long-Term Oversight During Construction

BHS was retained for ongoing advocacy and oversight throughout the 6-year project:

  • Pre-abatement inspections of all containment areas
  • Daily review of night-shift asbestos sample results
  • Occupancy clearance determination & electronic staff notification by 5am daily
  • Continuous monitoring of building pressurization effectiveness
  • Coordination with the Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Director
  • BHS physician on-call consultations for individuals staff members with asbestos-related concerns

Outcome

With BHS in the role of trusted staff environmental advocate, the project

  • Launched successfully and avoided workforce relocation
  • Restored and maintained staff confidence throughout the project
  • Maintained and enforced BHS enhanced asbestos protocol compliance
  • Earned trust and partnership from C-Suite Management & Board of Directors

    • The combination of physician-led health expertise and technical building science transformed a credibility crisis into a model of collaboration in large-scale, contentious environment with valid concerns over asbestos abatement in an occupied building.