Robert Pullman is the newest hero in the fight for safety in the workplace. For over 25 years, Pullman was an exhibit specialist for the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.
Last year, he and the other employees were informed for the first time that the walls they had been drilling into for decades contained asbestos. Every time that Pullman and his coworkers would update or change out an exhibit, drilling would release asbestos fibers into the air without any protective equipment or precautions.
Seeking justice, Pullman contacted the Washington Post and told them about the asbestos danger. He also filed several workplace safety complaints, for which he was reprimanded. He even took private air and dust samples to test for asbestos.
Soon after, Pullman was diagnosed with asbestosis, a form of lung disease linked to asbestos exposure. He took legal action against the Smithsonian Institute that ended in a substantial settlement and severance pay, retraction of the negative letters in his file, the launching of a more extensive investigation into the health hazards in the Smithsonian buildings, and the implementation of better, safer policies.
It is brave, driven employees like Pullman who make the world a safer place for their coworkers. Despite opposition from his employer, Pullman persevered in his pursuit of justice. Workers should not have to worry about the safety of their work environment. Partly due to Pullman’s efforts, Smithsonian exhibit employees will now receive more comprehensive asbestos training and safety equipment, as well as access to a physician contracted by the company.