Prison faces state fines

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State inspectors have proposed $11,625 in fines against the Newton state prison for workplace safety and health violations that include issues involving asbestos removal.

State prison officials said Thursday that no one - inmates or employees - was exposed to asbestos, which has been linked to cancer and other diseases. They described the violations as largely based on technicalities.

The Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Bureau proposed the fines earlier this month after an inspection in March, said Jens Nissen, a bureau executive officer. His office will work with prison officials to resolve the issues, but a formal settlement hasn't been approved, he said.

The alleged violations stem from a renovation project in a former office and training area. An inmate crew did the work under the supervision of a prison staff member, said Fred Scaletta, a spokesman for the Iowa Department of Corrections.

DesMoines Register

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1. how about sentencing the prison officials to their own prisons?

That would be a case of poetic justice.

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2. Given that the majority of inmates are in prison for non-violent crimes the toll

on society dealing with returning inmates who are ill must be staggering.