Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy equipment mechanics and operators are the people who operate and service heavy machinery like bulldozers and cranes. Unfortunately, because some of the materials encountered by heavy equipment mechanics and operators contain asbestos, many have suffered workplace asbestos exposure and the resulting health problems. Due to its resistance to friction, asbestos was used to line the brake pads, brake linings, and gaskets in heavy machinery. In addition, any number of asbestos building materials can release fibers and dust into the air when disturbed by bulldozers during demolition. When inhaled, this can lead to a number of health problems including asbestosis and the following cancers: mesothelioma, lung, esophageal, gastrointestinal, laryngeal, and pharyngeal.
Heavy Equipment Operators and Mechanics at a High Risk for Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Heavy equipment operators and mechanics are at a high risk for asbestos exposure because, as mentioned above, both the machinery they worked with and the building materials they encountered could be asbestos-containing. In addition to the heat resistant properties that made it ideal for brakes, asbestos has a resistance to electrical and chemical damage. These qualities along with the benefits of sound absorption and tensile strength led it to be included in many building materials.
Heavy equipment operators and heavy equipment mechanics risked asbestos exposure from their vehicles when they replaced brakes and gaskets, stirring up asbestos dust, often in garages with poor ventilation. Another chance for asbestos exposure was the demolition of structures with asbestos-laden materials. Even working on a dirt lot that formerly had a building is a potential asbestos risk. These two activities can disturb asbestos fibers into the air and leave all construction workers on a site at risk. The microscopic fibers can float in the air for long periods of time and even attach to clothes, potentially putting family and friends in harm’s way.
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Top Asbestos-Containing Products Encountered by Heavy Equipment Operators and Mechanics
• Asbestos brakes
• Asbestos brake linings
• Asbestos gaskets
• Numerous asbestos construction materials
For a more exhaustive list, check out our asbestos containing products page.
Modern Heavy Equipment Mechanics and Operators are Still at Risk for Asbestos Exposure
Today’s heavy equipment mechanics continue to face the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. In fact, it has been estimated that 1.3 million workers in the construction industry are still exposed to asbestos annually. Heavy equipment mechanics need to remain aware of the demolition of buildings constructed before 1980 and servicing brakes in older heavy machinery. Also, although the United States began regulating asbestos in the 1970’s, it has not been banned entirely. Two-thirds of the modern asbestos-containing products are construction materials, although they are typically labeled as such.
Often heavy equipment mechanics and operators are not taught the proper safety procedures or given the required equipment to protect themselves from the dangers of asbestos. A basic precaution to take is wearing a ventilator or safety mask to avoid inhaling asbestos dust. Keeping potential asbestos demolition areas damp is another important precaution to significantly reduce asbestos fibers getting airborne. Heavy equipment mechanics and operators should also be educated on the identification of asbestos containing products and the proper methods of handling disposal within their particular jurisdiction. This will often mean calling in a professional certified in asbestos abatement techniques.
Were You Exposed to Asbestos While Working as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic? A Mesothelioma Lawyer May be Able to Assist You
It is recommended that people who have spent a significant period of time working as a heavy equipment mechanic or operator get a full physical evaluation by a medical doctor. Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, often takes 15-40 years to manifest and the life expectancy of a victim is around a year post-diagnosis. Thus, it is important to catch the disease in its early stages. At-risk workers should pay close attention to any mesothelioma symptoms which include fluid in the lungs, chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe you were exposed to asbestos while working as a heavy equipment operator or mechanic, you may be deserving of a mesothelioma settlement. To learn more about your legal options and how a mesothelioma lawyer may be able to assist you, please contact us for a free legal consultation.