RAILROAD WORKERS EXPOSED TO ASBESTOS

There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. Even minimal asbestos levels may cause asbestos disease.  Asbestos diseases are asbestosis, asbestos pleural disease, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.  Even family members exposed to asbestos dust brought home on shoes or clothing of workers exposed to asbestos may be subject to asbestos-related diseases.

Engineers:  Railroad locomotive engineers worked on steam locomotives back in the 1950’s and early 1960’s during a time when asbestos was used to insulate boilers and other items on the engine. The pliable asbestos was applied to insulate from heat.  Railroad engineers were exposed to asbestos around pipes, steam and hot water lines, and also amosite asbestos fibers wrapped around different materials such as wires.  Diesel locomotives were also insulated with asbestos which caused exposure to asbestos for engineers.  Railroad brake linings with asbestos were used as these were heat resistant.

Conductor/Brakeman:  Railroad conductors and brakemen were exposed to asbestos from being on locomotives containing asbestos, around boxcars with asbestos laden brake shoes, riding in cabooses insulated with asbestos, and being in the area of pipes,  steam and hot water lines wrapped in asbestos. There was also asbestos exposure in the asbestos insulation and the asbestos floor tiles used in reporting places  Railroad conductors and brakemen were also exposed to the heat resistant asbestos used on brakes and clutch linings.

Track Workers:  Track workers were around welding blankets and screens which used asbestos as heat insulation. They were around sprayed insulation containing asbestos and also were exposed to asbestos in crew cars and reporting areas.

Mechanics:  Mechanics were exposed to the asbestos from the brake and clutch linings, from asbestos used in railcars, and from being around wire, pipe and building insulation laced with asbestos.

Railroad workers can collect for injuries. Contact the law firm of Wilson & Hajek.