Willamette Iron and Steel Works

Willamette Iron and Steel Works played an essential role during World War II, building warships for the U.S. Navy. As productive as the shipyard was, its long history of asbestos use left workers with life-threatening, asbestos-related diseases. The shipyard also faced numerous safety violations and lawsuits, eventually closing.

If you or a loved one suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may qualify for substantial compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds, awaiting those who’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos illness. 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. 

Did Willamette Iron and Steel Works Use Asbestos?

Oregon’s Willamette Iron and Steel Works used asbestos for decades in its shipbuilding, ship repair, and other manufacturing operations. Peak asbestos use in these industries occurred between the 1930s and the 1970s.

Willamette used asbestos primarily for its ability to insulate and provide fireproofing. Asbestos is harmful to human health, a fact many asbestos suppliers knew but failed to make clear. As a result, many shipyard workers like Willamette were exposed and later developed illnesses like mesothelioma.

Willamette Iron and Steel Works History

Willamette Iron and Steel Works was established in 1865 in Portland, Oregon. The company originally focused on manufacturing engines and boilers for steamboats. By 1904, it had expanded into constructing and repairing vessels.

• During World War I, Willamette built boilers and fitted ships for Northwest Steel. The boilers went to machine works and shipyards along the west coast.

• In World War II, Willamette Iron and Steel Works created different vessels and war-related products, including crafts, minesweepers, naval auxiliaries, and more.

• In World War II alone, Willamette built more than 70 ships for the U.S. Navy, as well as Baldwin steam locomotives for Vladivostok, Russia.

• Between the wars, Willamette built some small commercial vessels. It also made steam-powered engines called steam donkeys.

• Once World War II ended, the shipyard focused on vessel repairs and other types of manufacturing. Workers made turbines for the Grand Coulee Dam and fire hydrants for cities.

Business for Willamette slowed down with the opening of larger shipyards. Ultimately, it couldn’t compete and permanently closed its doors in 1990.

How Did Willamette Iron and Steel Use Asbestos?

Shipyards used asbestos heavily in their operations for decades. Asbestos was added to materials to provide insulation, fireproofing, and strength. Willamette used asbestos in shipbuilding, ship fitting, ship repair, and the manufacturing of steam engines and boilers.

During the peak years of asbestos use, it went into hundreds of ship components, including:

• Pipes
• Cement
• Wall and ceiling panels
• Adhesives
• Gaskets
• Valves
• Boilers
• Packing
• Textiles

The manufacturing equipment in Willamette’s facilities likely also contained asbestos. It was probably in the insulation and pipes in buildings and around boilers and furnaces.

Who Was Exposed to Asbestos at Willamette?

All workers at Willamette Iron and Steel Works were put at risk of asbestos exposure while used on the site. Asbestos materials shed tiny fibers that workers can inhale. This exposure can lead to later illnesses, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Some workers at Willamette had a higher risk of asbestos exposure than others. These workers directly handled asbestos materials, which resulted in more fibers being shed. Insulation workers, boiler workers, mechanics, and ship repair workers were all at high risk.

Willamette Iron and Steel Works Asbestos Lawsuits

Asbestos companies and sometimes shipyards are often considered negligent in asbestos exposure and resulting illnesses.

In most instances, workers generally file asbestos-related lawsuits against the manufacturers that supplied asbestos products to shipyards.

However, there have been lawsuits in which workers or loved ones filed a claim against Willamette and the companies that supplied asbestos to the shipyard.

One such instance was the case of James McAllister, a former employee of Willamette who worked as a carpenter.

McAllister died from malignant mesothelioma in 2002, but his wife continued the lawsuit on his behalf.

While in the past, federal courts made plaintiffs prove that asbestos was extensively used at shipyards, in the case of McAllister, the shipyard had to prove that it did not.

McAllister’s widow won the case after Willamette failed to prove that workers were not exposed to asbestos. It set the stage for no longer allowing shipyards to ignore their parts in exposing people to harm.

Willamette Iron and Steel Works Closure

As more and more people began to fall ill, the shipyard faced several complaints. When asbestos regulations were outlined in the late 1970s, Willamette declined after it could no longer keep up with bigger competitors.

In 1990, Willamette Iron and Steel closed its doors for good.

Along with asbestos, the shipyards left behind numerous toxins, which placed it on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) orphan list as a potential Superfund cleanup site.

Safety Violations at Willamette Iron and Steel Works

Willamette Iron and Steel Works also faced many safety violations against its workers for numerous years.

One of the biggest complaints stemmed from the company’s lack of proper safety and housekeeping aboard the vessels, which caused numerous worker injuries.

In some cases, workers were injured so severely that they were physically disabled permanently.

The company repeatedly violated safety rules so often that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) stepped in during the 1970s.

Willamette tried to argue that its rights were violated, but courts ruled against the shipyard and ordered it to pay substantial fines.

Compensation for Willamette Workers Exposed to Asbestos

If you worked at Willamette, contact a mesothelioma lawyer to learn about options for seeking compensation for asbestos illnesses.

You could be eligible to file a lawsuit against asbestos companies that supplied Willamette and failed to warn workers of the risks of their products. These lawsuits often end in settlements for the plaintiffs.

Another option may be to file a claim with an asbestos trust fund. Companies that went bankrupt set up these funds to compensate victims. You cannot sue a company protected by bankruptcy, but asbestos trusts provide an alternative compensation source.

Additional Help and Resources for Asbestos Victims

If you’ve been injured by asbestos, keep in mind that there is a good chance that you’ll qualify for considerable compensation. Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on the experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.