There are many different blue collar trades in the United States affected by asbestos exposure on the job, since the substance has been used in consumer products, building materials, and more for decades. Many of these workers are at risk for developing serious diseases due to prolonged exposure, day after day.
Let’s take a look at three types of workers who suffered from asbestos exposure at work:
Refinery Workers
Asbestos was commonly used as insulation for pipes within oil refineries. Workers in refineries, including insulators, pipe fitters, and plant maintenance workers are mostly likely to have come into contact with the substance on the job.
Construction Workers
Construction workers are likely to face asbestos exposure since the substance was used with so many building materials. Residential and commercial structures built before 1990 are likely to contain the substance in materials like siding, flooring, roofing, and more.
Factory Workers
Many workers have been employed in factories that manufactured asbestos products for thousands of consumer products. These workers came into contact with raw asbestos fibers. They are very much at risk for asbestos-related diseases due to prolonged exposure on the job.
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Today, there are strict rules and regulations that employers must follow to keep their employees safe on the job, but corners are often cut to save time and money. Some workers are not properly trained to handle the substance, and some are not informed that it is present at all. If you work in a blue-collar trade at risk for asbestos exposure, be sure to inform a medical professional about your work history.
