Shipyard Workers
America's shipyard workers have been extremely important throughout the nation's history. During times of war, they are at the forefront of industry, making sure that the United States' fleet of ships is ready for battle or to transport soldiers and supplies to strategic areas.
During World War II and the Korean War, shipbuilding was at its peak in America. Hundreds of thousands of military members and civilians were employed in the nation's shipyards, building new vessels and repairing old ones to be sent out on the high seas once again to face the enemy.
Today, shipbuilding might be a bit different, but shipyard workers, including those who load and unload cargo ships at the country's many ports, are still important to the fabric of the nation's economy.
Shipyard Workers and Asbestos
The use of asbestos on ships, including those built for war, was commonplace prior to the 1970s or 80s. Because it was important that the ship and its occupants stay safe despite the dangers of war, the fire-proofing material was in wide use throughout each vessel and may have been found in such items as pipe coverings, wall insulation, boiler or furnace insulation, gaskets, turbines, cement, and pumps.
Nearly everyone was susceptible to inhaling dangerous asbestos dust. Shipyard workers who may have encountered asbestos-containing products include:
- Boiler Technicians
- Construction Mechanics
- Damage Controlmen
- Electronics Technicians
- Enginemen
- Fire Control Technicians
- Plumbers
- Insulators
- Welders
- Electricians
At particularly high risk were those shipyard workers who repaired damaged ships and sent them back out to continue their job. A damaged ship meant damaged asbestos and damaged asbestos meant airborne asbestos fibers were probably being released into the air. Those who repaired ships and had to do it quickly, especially during World War II, thought nothing of ripping out asbestos with their bare hands and without benefit of any sort of protective gear, including masks.
Because asbestos was so prevalent onboard ships, even those who didn't work directly with the material may have been exposed via the dust on the clothes or hair of those who did work with the toxic mineral on a daily basis. Cases have arisen where shipyard office workers have developed asbestos-related diseases due to secondhand exposure.
At the shipyard and in the shipbuilding industry in general, asbestos fibers were everywhere. That's why this profession has one of the highest incidences of asbestos-related diseases in the country. Given the number of people that worked in the industry and the ignorance as to the dangers of working with asbestos, it is easy to understand why this is the case.
Even today, shipyard workers should take great care when working on an older ship. It is very possible that asbestos is still present in many ships that sail the seas and inspections for asbestos should always be completed before any repair or demolition commences.
Last modified: December 17 2007.
