Railroad workers were historically exposed to asbestos through various means, primarily due to the widespread use of asbestos in the railroad industry from the early 20th century until the 1980s. Asbestos was valued for its heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties, which made it a common material in many railroad components.
Railroad workers can pursue compensation for injuries and illnesses they suffer as a result of exposure to asbestos, but it will require the help of a railroad injury lawyer. A railroad injury lawyer can listen to your case and explain your legal options.
Top Six Ways Railroad Workers May Be Exposed to Asbestos
The following are the six most common areas in which railroad workers may suffer exposure to asbestos:
Locomotive Parts
Asbestos was commonly used as insulation around steam boilers, pipes, and exhaust systems in locomotives. When this insulation is disturbed during maintenance or repair, asbestos fibers can become airborne, posing a serious health risk to workers.
Additionally, asbestos was used in the manufacturing of brake shoes and clutches for locomotives because of its heat resistance. Over time, the wear and tear on these parts could release asbestos fibers into the air, especially during repair or replacement tasks.
Train Cars
Asbestos was often used in passenger train cars to insulate against heat and noise. Workers involved in the construction, repair, or maintenance of these cars could be exposed when handling or removing insulation.
This also included flooring and ceiling tiles. Some train cars used asbestos-containing materials in flooring and ceiling tiles, which could release fibers if they were damaged, removed, or replaced.
Maintenance and Repair Facilities
Workers in repair shops, where locomotives and train cars were routinely serviced, were at high risk of asbestos exposure. Tasks such as removing old insulation, working on brake systems, or cutting into asbestos-containing materials created dust that could be inhaled.
When railroad workers used torches or other cutting tools on asbestos-containing materials, the heat and friction could release asbestos fibers into the air.
Track Materials
In some cases, asbestos-containing materials were used in the construction and maintenance of railroad tracks. When workers replace railroad ties or maintained tracks, they could disturb these materials and release asbestos into the environment.
Other Equipment
Asbestos was often used in gaskets, seals, and other components in railroad engines and mechanical equipment. Maintenance workers who handled or replaced these parts might be exposed to asbestos dust.
Occupational Exposure Through Secondhand Contamination
Workers who didn’t directly handle asbestos-containing materials could still be exposed to secondhand contamination. For example, fibers could cling to clothing or equipment and be carried from work areas to other locations, including workers’ homes.
Don’t Get Railroaded ®
Contact Our Experienced Attorneys Today to Get Back On The Right Track.
Health Concerns and Modern Safety Measures for Today’s Railroad Worker
Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can be inhaled or ingested. Once in the body, they can lodge in the lungs or other tissues, leading to serious health problems like:
- Asbestosis, the scarring of the lungs that leads to breathing problems
- Lung cancer, the growth of malignant tumors blocking airflow
- Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
Although the use of asbestos in new products has significantly decreased since the 1980s, older railroad equipment and infrastructure may still contain asbestos, and railroad workers engaged in maintenance, restoration, or demolition activities need to take special precautions.
Railroad workers today are typically protected through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory protection, and strict safety protocols when working around asbestos-containing materials.
Additionally, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations in place to protect workers from asbestos exposure.
Legal Protections for Railroad Workers Exposed to Asbestos
Railroad workers who have been exposed to asbestos are protected under several federal statutes that ensure their rights in the workplace. These laws provide avenues for seeking compensation and legal protection, particularly for those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma or asbestosis.
Several key laws that apply to railroad workers in these cases are the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA), the Safety Appliance Act (SAA), and the Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA).
Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA)
Under 45 U.S.C. § 51, railroad workers can file lawsuits against their employers for injuries or illnesses sustained on the job. FELA differs from standard workers’ compensation in that it requires the worker to prove that the employer’s negligence contributed to the injury or exposure.
This statute is critical for workers suffering from asbestos-related diseases, as it allows them to seek compensation for
- Current and future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Proving negligence might involve showing that the employer failed to provide adequate safety measures, ignored known asbestos hazards, or violated safety regulations.
Safety Appliance Act (SAA)
The SAA mandates that railroads maintain specific safety equipment, such as automatic brakes and couplers, to protect workers from physical harm.
While the act primarily focuses on operational safety, it can indirectly support an asbestos claim. If an employer’s failure to maintain or provide safe equipment under the SAA resulted in unsafe conditions—such as prolonged exposure to asbestos during repairs or maintenance—this could serve as evidence of negligence under a FELA claim.
Federal Railroad Safety Act (FRSA)
The FRSA sets forth federal safety standards for railroads and provides whistleblower protections for workers who report safety violations. If a worker raises concerns about asbestos exposure or unsafe working conditions and experiences retaliation from their employer, the FRSA offers legal protection.
Workers who report hazardous asbestos conditions are shielded from being fired, demoted, or discriminated against for bringing attention to workplace safety violations.
How these Laws Help Railroad Workers
These federal statutes ensure that railroad workers have legal protection if they are exposed to asbestos. FELA gives workers the ability to seek compensation for asbestos-related illnesses, while the SAA and FRSA offer additional avenues to strengthen claims and protect workers who report safety hazards.
If you’ve been exposed to asbestos while working on the railroad, understanding your rights under these laws is essential to protecting your health and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Listen To The Stay On Track Podcast
Protect Your Rights as a Railroad Worker
If you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos as a railroad worker, Poolson | Oden Injury Lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process.
Our law firm understands the complex federal laws that apply to your case, and we’re dedicated to pursuing the compensation you deserve for asbestos-related illnesses. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options. Let us help you take the next step toward justice and peace of mind.
