Yes, long-term exposure to dust can result in serious harm for railroad workers, as this may ultimately result in respiratory illnesses, occupational lung diseases, and other chronic health conditions. Dust particles from ballast, diesel exhaust, brake systems, welding operations, and other materials may be inhaled over the course of years before symptoms appear. As such, if a railroad employer fails to provide a reasonably safe work environment, workers who suffer injuries or illnesses may have legal rights in accordance with the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA).
Railroad Workers May Be Exposed to Dust Every Day
Whether you predominantly work in a rail yard, tunnel, repair shop, or track maintenance zone, you may be consistently breathing in dust particles. Such dust particles may originate from ballast, diesel exhaust residue, brake systems, cargo materials, and other industrial debris. Unfortunately, you may not notice the effects of this dust inhalation until after you leave or retire from railroad work. However, this does not mean you missed out on your chance to hold your employer accountable in a Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) claim.
Key Considerations
- Railroad workers may be exposed to dust in a number of job sites, like rail yards, repair shops, along active lines, and during maintenance operations
- Some dust particles may be small enough to travel deep into the lunch
- Long-term dust exposure is linked to serious respiratory and occupational illnesses
- Symptoms may take months, years, or even decades to appear
- Workers may have legal options under FELA if employer negligence resulted in exposure to harmful conditions
How are Workers Exposed to Dust While Working on the Railroad?
To reiterate, many job functions on the railroad involve constant exposure to dust particles. Of note, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) regulates dust exposure through permissible exposure limits based on the type of dust, but mostly what is known as particles not otherwise regulated and hazardous dusts like silica. With that, railroad employers are supposed to provide protective personal equipment (PPE) at no cost to employees who are working in areas where dust exceeds these OSHA limits. So essentially, when your employer violates these explicit OSHA regulations, you may be unnecessarily exposed to harmful dust while working.
Rail Cutting and Grinding Operations
- Rail cutting and grinding can release considerable amounts of fine matter around tracks
- Workers tasked with these duties can inhale airborne dust throughout their shifts
- Fine particles may remain suspended in the air for extended periods
- Repeated exposure can increase long-term respiratory risks
Equipment Operations and Rail Yard Activities
- Certain equipment may result in dust clouds caused by disturbed debris in the rail yard
- Moving ballast and materials can release airborne particles
- Operating heavy equipment can increase dust in the work area
- Workers can experience repeated exposure during their shift
Welding and Repair Shop Work
- Welding tools can emit fumes and metal particles in enclosed workspace areas
- Poor ventilation can increase the risk of exposure
- Airborne contaminants can accumulate during extended repair operations
Diesel Exhaust Residue and Industrial Debris
- Railroad workers can encounter diesel exhaust residue around locomotives and maintenance facilities
- Cargo materials and industrial debris can contribute to additional airborne particulate matter
- Dust from multiple sources can accumulate over time
Can Long-Term Dust Exposure Cause Railroad Workers Serious Illness?
Common Sources of respirable dust in railroad work include ballast dust, materials that contain silica, exhaust residue, and metal particles from welding operations. This means they are particles small enough to go deep into a railroad worker’s lungs, unfortunately. That said, respirable particles are commonly linked to serious and chronic illnesses.
Chronic Respiratory Diseases
- Occupational asthma
- Chronic bronchitis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Reactive airway disease
Serious Occupational Lung Conditions
- Interstitial lung disease
- Silicosis
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Diminished lung function
- Increasing difficulty of breathing
Lung Cancer and Other Long-Term Health Risks
- Exposure to certain workplace dusts has been linked to increased risk of cancer
- Long-term inhalation of dangerous substances can harm lung tissue
- Some respiratory illnesses may worsen, even after exposure to dangerous substances ends
- Early medical treatment may help improve outcomes
Symptoms Railroad Workers Should Not Ignore
On top of this, these small dust particles may affect you slowly, and you may not notice it right away. However, you must not ignore or brush off slow-onset symptoms.
- Chronic fatigue
- Recurring bouts of pneumonia
- Chronic bronchitis
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing during normal activities
When Can a Railroad Company Be Held Liable Under FELA?
Railroad companies can face liability under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) if they are found to have contributed in any capacity to a worker’s exposure to dust or resulting illness. Under FELA, railroad companies are legally obligated to provide workers with safe working conditions, identify potential hazards, and take reasonable measures to limit employee exposure to harmful substances.
Unfortunately, railroad workers can encounter hazardous airborne particles and substances in rail yards, maintenance facilities, repair shops, tunnels, and along active rail lines.
Examples of Railroad Negligence
- Failure to provide appropriate respiratory protective equipment
- Failure to control excessive dust
- Failure to ensure adequate ventilation
- Failure to provide proper safety training
- Failure to warn workers about potential dust exposure
- Failure to implement or adhere to workplace safety regulations
Potential Compensation Available Under FELA
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Wrongful death for surviving family members
Contact an Experienced FELA Attorney Today
You probably have more questions regarding this topic, and we would be happy to answer them for you. So please schedule an initial consultation with one of the talented FELA lawyers from Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP if you have been diagnosed with a respiratory condition, cancer, or other illness related to dust exposure caused by railroad work. Contact us today to learn more.
