Asbestos and Plant Workers

Plant workers once had one of the highest risks of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses compared to other industries. In the past, factories across the nation relied on asbestos in parts, equipment, machinery, and more, due to its ease of use and resistance to heat and fire.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer, you might be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

About Plant Workers

Factory and plant workers are responsible for many job duties that contribute to production work in factories. Examples of tasks may include molding, smelting, cutting, and reshaping materials.

Heavy equipment and machinery are almost always used for these job tasks, and they once contained asbestos in components. Workers are often are responsible for the installation, repair, and upkeep of these machines.

Other duties of plant workers include:

• Working on production lines
• Measuring and pouring ingredients
• Scraping waste materials from machinery and equipment
• Loading and unloading processing equipment
• Pouring materials into machinery
• Recording data
• Reading gauges and more
• Inspecting products for quality assurance
• Sweeping up debris, which included asbestos debris and other toxins

Asbestos Exposure and Plant Workers

No matter which job duties factory workers were assigned, most were at risk of asbestos exposure.

As mentioned earlier, asbestos was once used in all kinds of plants products, materials, and machinery. Factoriess were also constructed with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and found in the insulation, flooring, wiring, and walls.

Plant workers were at a significantly higher risk of developing an asbestos-related illness due to all the sanding, drilling, shaping, smelting, and cutting that took place daily.

Asbestos fibers were quickly released into the air. Workers ingested the tiny, odorless fibers without even realizing it.

Even worse, the health hazard went on for many decades, unreported by manufacturers that knew of the dangers of asbestos but kept the information disclosed to make a profit.

Studies on Asbestos and Plant Workers

Scientific studies conducted on plant workers and asbestos indicate a high rate of people in the industry develop asbestos illnesses, including malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and asbestosis.

In one particular study, carried out in 1968 by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), results revealed that workers in plants, especially asbestos plants, developed lung cancer about twice as much as the general population.

A total of 3,276 former plant workers participated in the study, of which 63 passed away from asbestos-related lung cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that a study carried out in 1975 on plant workers revealed that out of the 2,722 men and 554 women studied:

• 49 men died from lung cancer
• 13 people died from mesothelioma, 4 of whom were women.
• 76 died from asbestosis

All workers in the study worked at factories where asbestos exposure was common.

If you worked in a plant decades ago, when asbestos was everywhere, you are at risk of getting sick. Talk to an asbestos attorney to determine the legal actions you can take.

Additional Help and Resources for Plant Workers

If you’ve been injured by mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related cancer, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area.