The right to a safe working space isn’t just a fair thing to ask; it’s every individual’s right. Employers are expected to provide everything necessary to make sure workers come, work, and leave in one piece.
Even if the environment isn’t particularly safe, employers are expected to train and provide the resources necessary for workers to perform their job-related duties safely and efficiently. However, some employers skip out on the safety part and focus too much on the efficiency part.
Different jobs offer different levels of danger. There’s always the risk of falling for roofers. Loggers have to avoid being crushed by logs while battling it out with Mother Nature. Similarly, some industries are prone to exposing their workers to asbestos. This is the basis for lung cancer lawsuits.
The horrible thing about mesothelioma is that most people don’t survive it. This can be emotionally devastating for victims and their loved ones.
This blog post discusses five industries where one may be exposed to asbestos. The purpose of this blog post is to raise awareness about the risks of asbestos exposure in specific industries. Read on.
1. Construction
The construction industry plays a major role in the US. A report from The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America states that there are over 900,000 construction companies in the US. Additionally, the industry offers employment opportunities to over 8 million people annually.
Those working in the construction industry come across numerous elements that contain asbestos. Some of the more common ones include:
1) Paints
2) Roof shingles
3) Spackling
4) Certain masonry compounds
5) Drywalls
6) Vinyl floor tiles
7) Cement sheets
In addition to the elements, the following workers are at risk of asbestos exposure.
1) Bulldozer operators (when demolishing old buildings)
2) Carpenters
3) Pipefitters
4) Bricklayers
5) Home renovators
6) Insulation workers
2. Firefighters
Firefighting is itself fraught with risks. No sane person would charge into a burning building, but firefighters do.
Sadly, firefighters also have to battle it out with asbestos, in addition to the raging fires.
There is an increased risk of asbestos exposure when firefighters deal with old or historic buildings. These buildings release massive amounts of asbestos when burned, putting firefighters at risk.
Even after the fire has settled down, the remnants of the building (ashes, smoke, and damaged parts) can release asbestos fibers, increasing the chances of exposure.
3. Auto Mechanics
Mechanics are a vital part of the automotive industry. They help dismantle any vehicle to find the problem and fix it.
Certain car parts have asbestos in them. Some of the common ones include
1) Aftermarket brake linings
2) Clutches
3) Heat seals
4) Drum brakes
5) Hood liners
6) Gasket material
When these parts degrade, they release the asbestos into the air. What’s worse is that these fibers cling on to the individual’s clothes or hair, paving the way to exposing asbestos to others as well.
Not just professional mechanics, but even hobbyists are vulnerable when they deal with parts containing asbestos.
4. Farming
Farming holds a special place in the US, both in terms of the economy and keeping the produce shelves full. But just like the other industries on the list, farming has its problems with asbestos.
The older buildings, like silos, farmhouses, and barns, may contain asbestos. When these structures are demolished, either for space or renovation, they release asbestos into the air.
Additionally, farm-related elements like cement pipes in drains and equipment spare parts can also be sources of asbestos.
On top of that, asbestos-contaminated vermiculite and certain farm product packaging also contain asbestos.
5. Power Plants
As useful as power plants are, they can be sources of asbestos as well. Asbestos was used in power plants for its reliable fireproofing properties. As a result, it was commonly used in
1) Gaskets
2) Fire blankets
3) Pipe insulation
4) Boilers
5) Pumps
Just about anyone who comes into contact with these elements is at risk of asbestos exposure. This generally includes:
1) Insulators
2) Pipefitters
3) Electricians
4) Welders
5) Maintenance workers
Conclusion
Exposure to asbestos often leads to mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer. Employers must take the necessary precautions to make sure their workers aren’t exposed to any hazardous elements, let alone asbestos.
Those who’ve been exposed to asbestos at their workplace should get in touch with a lawyer to find out what they should do next.
