FELA Lawyer

Diesel Exhaust Causes Health Risks for Engineers, Conductors, and Other Railroad Workers

By 1959, most of the United States railroad industry had converted from coal-burning to diesel-powered trains. Diesel burns much more efficiently than coal, but also releases many more dangerous toxins into the air. As a result, lung cancer has become increasingly common in railroad workers who are exposed to diesel exhaust on a daily basis. Engineers and conductors face the greatest risk of diesel exhaust induced asthma, COPD, emphysema, and lung cancer since they spend a great deal of time in contact with the locomotives.

Diesel exhaust is made up of various gases and chemicals that can be very harmful if inhaled. Not only can diesel exhaust cause damage by entering the body through breathing, but exhaust can also enter through the eyes, causing potentially permanent damages to eyes, the brain, and the central nervous system.

There are laws in place to protect railroad workers from the health risks of working in the railroad industry. One such law requires that diesel exhaust must be released "entirely outside of the cab" of the locomotive. If the exhaust is released inside of the cab, this is a clear violation of the Locomotive Inspection Act. Railroad workers exposed to diesel exhaust inside of the cab of the train should consult an attorney to seek damages under the Federal Employer's Liability Act (FELA). Failure to install respirators or ventilators and failure to provide effective safety masks are also reasons that employers may be held responsible for your injuries under FELA.

If you or a loved one has developed a serious health condition as a result of working on a railroad, contact the highly experienced FELA lawyers at Williams Kherkher. Our experienced team of attorneys has successfully represented various FELA cases and can guide you through the complex legal process of fighting for your rights as a railroad employee.