Railroad workers already have to worry about inherently dangerous physical conditions that make up their workplace. But on top of this, they may also have to fear being exposed to harmful substances with no feasible escape. So even if they make it through their career without incurring a bodily injury, they may experience health-related issues from contracting an illness. Follow along to find out how railroad workers might get exposed to harmful substances while on the clock and how one of the proficient FELA lawyers at Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP can step in should you receive an illness as a direct result.
How might railroad workers get exposed to harmful substances on their job site?
Arguably the most prevalent harmful substance potentially on a railroad job site is asbestos. While asbestos products were widely outlawed within the railroad industry in the 1970s, this toxic substance may still exist in older locomotives, railcars, and buildings. Secondly, certain heavy metals may be considered toxic, such as lead. Similar to asbestos products, lead products are rarely used within the industry anymore. But still, its presence is still within older buildings and equipment.
Then, there is the possibility of poisonous gases being released when railroad workers expose them to heat. Also, railroad workers may handle acids and other corrosive substances as cargo or for maintenance work. Lastly, there is the significant presence of petroleum products within railroad work; namely, diesel exhaust. Importantly, diesel exhaust contains benzene, which is considered to be a dangerous hydrocarbon chemical.
What should I do if I receive an illness after this exposure?
Unfortunately, more often than not, exposure to harmful substances on a railroad job site leads to serious, life-altering, life-threatening, or life-ending illnesses. Specifically with the toxic substances mentioned above, the end result is usually lung cancer, chronic obstructive respiratory disease, mesothelioma, pulmonary fibrosis, and other types of severe respiratory damage or diseases. Further, other types of cancers that have been commonly reported amongst current and former railroad workers are bladder, liver, blood, and esophageal cancers, along with leukemia and scleroderma.
Even though the railroad industry is known to host certain dangerous substances, your employer should have taken measures to provide you with the proper protective equipment and training on how to handle them safely. What’s worse, they should have taken measures to remove any unnecessarily harmful materials from the job site in a timely manner. Please know that the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) offers you protections for things like this. This should empower you to file a railroad injury claim against your negligent employer, to recuperate some financial compensation for your medical bills and other damages associated with your diagnosed illness.
We hope that this blog offers the insight you were searching for. For more information, we encourage you to contact one of the talented FELA lawyers from Hildebrand McLeod & Nelson LLP today.
