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Do Shipyard Workers Have a Higher Rate of Mesothelioma?

December 19, 2024

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Prior to the late 1970s, when asbestos regulations were updated, asbestos was widely used in shipyards for its strength and resistance to heat and chemicals. In fact, asbestos was used in almost every component and system of ships that were built before the 1980s. While the use of asbestos has decreased substantially over the past several decades, replacing all ships containing asbestos is cost-prohibitive. Rather than replace all ships containing asbestos, the U.S. Navy decided to replace asbestos in ships as needed. As a result, roughly 153,000 shipyard workers in the United States are exposed to asbestos, which can increase the risk of mesothelioma, a rare and incurable form of cancer.

Where Is Asbestos Generally Found at Shipyards?

Asbestos was used in a wide range of materials in the construction and repair of ships. These materials are still present in many older ships, which means that shipyard workers may be exposed to asbestos if the material is damaged or disturbed. When asbestos dust particles are released into the air and inhaled, shipyard workers are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The following are examples of common materials and components that may contain asbestos:

 

• Adhesives
• Boilers
• Boiler cladding
• Concrete
• Doors
• Electrical wire coating
• Fireproof paint
• Floor tiling
• Furnace firebricks
• Gaskets
• Pipes
• Pipe insulation
• Pumps
• Safety equipment and protective clothing
• Sealants
• Spray-on insulation
• Wall panels
• Welding materials

What Shipyard Workers Are at Particular Risk for Asbestos Exposure?

A busy shipyard requires a wide range of highly skilled workers to keep the work environment running smoothly, including tradespeople from other industries. The following are examples of at-risk trades in the shipbuilding industry:

 

• Blacksmiths
• Boilermakers
• Carpenters
• Crane operators
• Dockers
• Electricians
• Engineers
• Insulators
• Ironsmiths
• Longshoremen
• Machinists
• Merchant Mariners
• Metalworkers
• Painters
• Pipefitters
• Plumbers
• Ship demolishers
• Welders
• Veterans

Are Shipyard Workers at Greater Risk for Mesothelioma Than Other Workers?

There are a number of studies that have found that shipyard workers are at greater risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases than any other occupation. In fact, an overwhelming number of shipyard workers have asbestos fibers in their lung tissue and chest cavities. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) analyzed asbestos-related deaths among workers and found that shipyard workers were 15 times more likely to die from asbestosis compared to other workers. Another study found that 86% of the ship repair workers studied developed asbestosis. This group included bystanders who did not work directly with asbestos-containing materials. In addition to pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue around the lungs, shipyard workers were found to have a high incidence of lung cancer and laryngeal cancer.

What Should Shipyard Employers Do to Prevent Asbestos Exposure?

Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment that is free of hazards that can cause injuries or health complications. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a number of asbestos regulations, many of which are tailored to shipyards, including the following:

 

• Multi-employer worksites: If an employer is handling asbestos materials, they must notify all other employers. Asbestos abatement must be handled by the contractors responsible for the worksite.
• Permissible exposure limits: Employers must take steps to ensure that workers do not exceed the exposure limit set by OSHA.
• Protective clothing: Employers must provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to shipyard workers. This is mandatory at all asbestos work sites. Employers are also responsible for safely laundering all PPE.
• Regulated areas: Access to work areas where asbestos is present is restricted to authorized professionals who must wear an asbestos-rated respirator at all times.

How Do Shipyard Workers Who Have Been Exposed to Asbestos Recover Compensation?

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illness after being exposed to asbestos while working at a shipyard, you may be entitled to financial compensation. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will discuss the options that are available to you and recommend the best legal course of action that will recover the compensation you deserve.

 

• Asbestos lawsuit: The company that supplied asbestos-containing materials to the shipyard may be liable for the exposure that caused your illness. A mesothelioma lawyer will identify the exposure locations and the liable parties and help you file a lawsuit against the company responsible for exposing you and other workers to asbestos.
• Asbestos trust fund: Many companies that used asbestos-containing materials were forced to declare bankruptcy in an effort to manage their liability. A condition of the companies’ bankruptcy protection involved establishing trust funds that would help companies manage the large volume of active asbestos claims and ensure that there would be enough funds to pay for future claims. In order to have a successful claim, you must be able to prove that the company’s asbestos product caused your mesothelioma. In addition, your claim must be filed before the statute of limitations expires. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for an asbestos trust fund claim is two years from the date of diagnosis.
• File a claim for disability benefits from the VA: If you served in Navy shipyards, you may be able to file a claim for disability benefits. The VA gives mesothelioma a disability rating of 100%.

Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Represent Shipyard Workers Diagnosed with Mesothelioma

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after prolonged exposure to asbestos at a shipyard, it is highly recommended that you contact the Philadelphia mesothelioma lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler as soon as possible. Call us today at 215-569-4000 or simply fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Our office is located in Philadelphia and serves clients in Delaware County, Chester County, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.