Longshore

The longshore industry, encompassing the loading, unloading, and handling of cargo at ports and docks, has been a vital component of global trade and commerce for centuries. Longshore workers operate in challenging environments, often exposed to harsh weather conditions, heavy machinery, and hazardous materials. The nature of their work requires durable infrastructure and equipment capable of withstanding the rigors of maritime operations. Historically, asbestos played a significant role in the longshore industry, particularly in the construction and maintenance of ships, port facilities, and cargo-handling equipment.

Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in shipbuilding and port infrastructure due to their durability and resistance to fire, heat, and corrosion. Longshore workers frequently encountered asbestos in ship components such as insulation, gaskets, and brake linings, as well as in the protective gear used to safeguard against workplace hazards. However, the widespread use of asbestos in the longshore industry also posed significant health risks, as workers were often exposed to airborne fibers during cargo handling and ship maintenance.

Why Asbestos Was Used in the Longshore Industry
Asbestos was widely used in the longshore industry because of its exceptional thermal and fire-resistant properties, which were critical in maritime environments. Ships, which longshore workers frequently loaded and unloaded, relied heavily on asbestos for insulation in engine rooms, boilers, and piping systems to prevent heat loss and reduce fire risks. Additionally, asbestos was used in the construction of port facilities and equipment, such as cranes and winches, where its durability and resistance to wear made it a practical choice.

The protective gear worn by longshore workers, including gloves, aprons, and blankets, often contained asbestos to shield them from heat and fire hazards. Furthermore, asbestos was used in friction materials like brake linings for cargo-handling machinery, ensuring reliable performance under heavy loads. Despite its advantages, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, particularly the inhalation of fibers during ship repairs or cargo handling, led to its decline in the industry. Today, strict regulations and safer alternatives have largely replaced asbestos in longshore operations.

Types of Asbestos Used in the Industry
The longshore industry extensively utilized asbestos fibers due to their durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties, which were essential for handling cargo and equipment in maritime environments:

Chrysotile (White Asbestos): Chrysotile was the most commonly used type of asbestos in the longshore industry. Its flexibility and resistance to heat made it ideal for use in insulating materials for ship components, such as boilers, pipes, and engine rooms. Chrysotile was also used in protective gear, such as gloves and aprons, to safeguard workers from high temperatures during cargo handling and ship maintenance.

Amosite (Brown Asbestos): Amosite was valued for its superior strength and ability to withstand high temperatures. It was frequently used in thermal insulation products, such as pipe lagging and insulating boards, to protect ship equipment and maintain energy efficiency in maritime operations.

The longshore industry relied on asbestos for its ability to provide thermal insulation, fireproofing, and protection in extreme conditions. However, the health risks associated with asbestos exposure have led to its replacement with safer alternatives in modern maritime practices.

Common Types of Asbestos Products in the Longshore Industry
The longshore industry, which involves the loading, unloading, and maintenance of ships and cargo, utilized asbestos extensively due to its fireproofing, heat resistance, and durability. Asbestos was incorporated into various products to protect workers and equipment from the high temperatures and fire risks associated with maritime operations. Common types of asbestos products used in the longshore industry include:

Asbestos Rope and Packing: In the longshore industry, asbestos rope and packing were widely utilized for their exceptional sealing and insulating properties. These materials were essential for maintaining the efficiency and safety of ship components, particularly in high-temperature environments. Asbestos rope was often used to seal joints and gaps in boilers, engines, and other machinery, ensuring that heat and pressure were contained effectively. Similarly, asbestos packing was employed in valves, pumps, and other equipment to prevent leaks and maintain operational integrity. The durability and heat resistance of asbestos made these products indispensable in the demanding conditions of maritime operations.

Asbestos Insulation for Ship Components: Asbestos insulation was a critical component in the construction and maintenance of ship systems, particularly for pipes, boilers, and engine rooms. This insulation was applied to prevent heat loss, improve energy efficiency, and protect against fire hazards. In engine rooms, where temperatures could reach extreme levels, asbestos insulation helped to maintain safe operating conditions by reducing the risk of overheating and fire. Additionally, the insulation provided a barrier against the transfer of heat to other parts of the ship, ensuring the safety of both the crew and the vessel’s structural components.

Asbestos Fireproofing Sprays: Asbestos fireproofing sprays were another common product used in the longshore industry, particularly for enhancing the fire resistance of ship decks, bulkheads, and structural components. These sprays were applied as a protective coating to critical areas of the ship, creating a fire-resistant barrier that could withstand high temperatures and prevent the spread of flames in the event of a fire. The use of asbestos fireproofing sprays was especially important in meeting safety regulations and ensuring the survivability of ships in hazardous conditions.

Asbestos Gaskets and Seals: Asbestos gaskets and seals were integral to the operation of ship machinery and equipment, providing leak-proof performance under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. These components were installed in engines, pumps, and other mechanical systems to ensure that fluids and gases were contained effectively. The heat resistance and durability of asbestos made it an ideal material for gaskets and seals, which were subjected to the intense demands of maritime environments. Their reliability was crucial for maintaining the efficiency and safety of ship operations..

Asbestos Cement Panels: Asbestos cement panels were widely used in ship construction for their fireproofing and thermal insulation properties. These panels were often installed in walls, ceilings, and other structural components to provide a protective barrier against heat and fire. In addition to their insulating capabilities, asbestos cement panels were valued for their strength and durability, making them suitable for withstanding the harsh conditions of maritime environments. Their use in ship construction contributed to the overall safety and longevity of vessels, ensuring that they could operate effectively in challenging conditions.

Companies That Manufactured Asbestos Products
Several companies were prominent in producing asbestos-containing materials for the longshore and maritime industries. These include:

Johns-Manville Corporation: Johns-Manville Corporation was a leading producer of asbestos-containing materials, playing a significant role in the longshore and maritime industries. The company manufactured a wide range of asbestos products, including insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing sprays, which were essential in shipbuilding and maintenance. Johns-Manville’s asbestos insulation was extensively applied to pipes, boilers, and engine rooms to prevent heat loss and enhance fire safety. Their gaskets, made from asbestos, were critical for ensuring leak-proof operation in ship machinery under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. Additionally, the company’s fireproofing sprays were used to coat ship decks, bulkheads, and structural components, providing enhanced fire resistance and meeting the rigorous safety standards of the maritime industry.

Eagle-Picher Industries: Eagle-Picher Industries was another prominent supplier of asbestos products for maritime applications, specializing in asbestos rope, packing, and insulation materials. Their asbestos rope and packing were widely used for sealing and insulating ship components, such as boilers, engines, and valves, ensuring operational efficiency and safety. Eagle-Picher’s insulation materials were applied to various ship systems to protect against heat and fire hazards, making them indispensable in the construction and maintenance of ships. The company’s products were valued for their durability and heat resistance, which were critical in the demanding conditions of the maritime environment.

Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc.: Raybestos-Manhattan, Inc. was well-known for its production of asbestos gaskets and seals, which were integral to the operation of ship machinery and equipment. These components were designed to withstand high temperatures and pressures, ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of engines, pumps, and other mechanical systems. Raybestos-Manhattan’s asbestos gaskets and seals were widely used in the maritime industry due to their reliability and ability to maintain leak-proof performance under extreme conditions. Their products played a crucial role in supporting the operational integrity of ships and maritime facilities.

Keasbey & Mattison Co.: Keasbey & Mattison Co. was a key player in the production of asbestos fireproofing sprays and insulation products, which were extensively used in ship construction and repair. Their fireproofing sprays were applied to ship decks, bulkheads, and structural components to enhance fire resistance and prevent the spread of flames in the event of a fire. The company’s insulation products, made from asbestos, were used to protect pipes, boilers, and other ship systems from heat loss and fire hazards. Keasbey & Mattison’s contributions to the maritime industry were significant, as their products helped to improve the safety and durability of ships in challenging environments..

Armstrong World Industries: Armstrong World Industries was a major producer of asbestos cement panels and insulation materials for use in ships and maritime facilities. Their asbestos cement panels were commonly installed in walls, ceilings, and other structural components of ships to provide fireproofing and thermal insulation. These panels were valued for their strength, durability, and resistance to heat, making them ideal for the harsh conditions of maritime operations. Armstrong’s insulation materials were also widely used to protect ship systems from heat and fire, contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of maritime vessels. The company’s products were essential in meeting the rigorous demands of the longshore and maritime industries.

The longshore industry’s reliance on asbestos was due to its effectiveness in managing heat and fire risks. However, the health hazards associated with asbestos exposure have led to its replacement with safer materials in modern maritime operations.

Longshore Workers are at Risk of Asbestos-Related Diseases

Longshore workers, particularly those involved in loading, unloading, and maintaining cargo ships, face a significant risk of asbestos exposure. Historically, asbestos was extensively used in the maritime industry due to its exceptional heat resistance, fireproofing capabilities, and durability. Medical research has conclusively demonstrated that asbestos exposure can lead to the following health complications:

Mesothelioma – Longshore workers are at an elevated risk of developing mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer, due to inhaling airborne asbestos fibers. These fibers were often released from asbestos-containing materials such as insulation, gaskets, and fireproofing used in ships and cargo handling equipment.

Lung Cancer – The maintenance and repair of ships and cargo-handling equipment frequently involved disturbing asbestos-containing materials. This disturbance released asbestos fibers into the air, significantly increasing the risk of lung cancer for workers who inhaled them. For decades, the maritime industry relied heavily on asbestos without fully disclosing its dangers, leaving workers vulnerable.

Throat Cancer – Inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers during tasks such as dismantling ship components or handling asbestos-laden cargo could lead to cancers of the larynx and pharynx. Insufficient protective measures in the past further exacerbated this risk for longshore workers.

Stomach Cancer – Workers could inadvertently ingest asbestos fibers, particularly if they ate in contaminated areas or failed to clean up properly before meals. This exposure has been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Poor hygiene practices and inadequate dust control measures in the maritime industry contributed to this risk.

Colon Cancer – Known as colorectal cancer, this condition may result from ingesting asbestos fibers. Longshore workers were often exposed to asbestos, which could contribute to the development of this type of cancer.

Asbestosis – This chronic lung disease, caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, leads to scarring of lung tissue and significant breathing difficulties. Asbestosis is a direct result of prolonged exposure to asbestos in the workplace, particularly during the handling of asbestos-containing cargo and ship components.

Longshore workers played a critical role in the maritime industry, ensuring the smooth operation of global trade. However, the nature of their work placed them at significant risk of asbestos exposure. Modern safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper ventilation, and strict adherence to asbestos abatement regulations, are essential to protect workers from the long-term health effects of asbestos exposure.

Learn more about the diseases asbestos can cause.

Asbestos Exposure in the Longshore Industry

The longshore industry, which involves the loading, unloading, and handling of cargo at ports and docks, historically exposed workers to asbestos due to its widespread use in shipping materials, vessel construction, and cargo. Asbestos was valued for its fireproofing, insulation, and durability, making it a common component in ships, shipping containers, and industrial equipment. Longshore workers were often exposed to asbestos fibers during their daily tasks, particularly when handling asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) or working near others disturbing such materials.

Key tasks that exposed longshore workers to asbestos included:

Handling Asbestos-Containing Cargo: Longshore workers frequently loaded and unloaded cargo that contained asbestos, such as raw asbestos fibers, asbestos textiles, or asbestos-containing products like insulation, cement, and gaskets. Damaged or improperly sealed cargo could release asbestos fibers into the air.
Ship Maintenance and Repair: Longshore workers who assisted with or worked near ship maintenance and repair activities were at risk of exposure. Ships often contained asbestos in insulation, fireproofing, and engine components. Tasks such as replacing pipe insulation, repairing boilers, or removing asbestos-containing materials during retrofitting released fibers into the air.
Dockside Equipment Maintenance: Asbestos was used in the brakes, clutches, and gaskets of dockside machinery and vehicles, such as cranes and forklifts. Repairing or replacing these components could disturb asbestos fibers, exposing workers.
Cargo Hold Cleaning: Cleaning out cargo holds that previously carried asbestos-containing materials or products could stir up residual asbestos dust, putting workers at risk of inhalation.
Demolition of Ships and Port Facilities: Longshore workers involved in dismantling or demolishing older ships or port infrastructure were exposed to asbestos used in construction materials, such as asbestos cement, insulation, and fireproofing. These activities often released large amounts of asbestos fibers into the environment.
Even workers who were not directly handling asbestos-containing materials could be exposed to airborne fibers if they worked in proximity to these tasks or in enclosed spaces where asbestos dust was present.

The risk of take-home exposure was a significant concern for longshore workers. Asbestos fibers could cling to workers’ clothing, shoes, and personal items, allowing them to unknowingly transport these hazardous fibers into their homes. Family members were at risk of secondary exposure through activities such as shaking out or laundering contaminated work clothes. This type of exposure has been linked to serious asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis, underscoring the dangers of asbestos in the longshore industry and its impact on workers’ families.

Our Law Firm Assists Longshore and Maritime Workers with Asbestos-Related Conditions

Longshore and maritime workers were frequently exposed to asbestos while loading, unloading, repairing, and maintaining cargo and ships in ports and shipyards. Asbestos was widely used in ship insulation, gaskets, boilers, and pipe coverings, putting longshoremen and dockworkers at risk of inhaling airborne asbestos fibers. Unfortunately, many workers later developed serious diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be entitled to compensation. Our law firm is committed to guiding longshore workers and their families through the legal process, providing comprehensive support in the following areas:

Asbestos Trust Claims
Many shipbuilding companies, shipping lines, and suppliers of asbestos-containing materials have established trust funds to compensate longshore and maritime workers diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. Filing a claim with these trusts does not require a lawsuit and can provide financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. Our legal team can help determine your eligibility and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Asbestos Lawsuits
Manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing materials used in ships and ports can be held accountable through legal action. Longshore and maritime workers exposed to asbestos while handling ship cargo, working in shipyards, or maintaining vessels may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Compensation from these lawsuits can help cover medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of longshore workers and their families.

Asbestos Disability Claims
Workers diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if their illness prevents them from working. Additionally, longshore and maritime workers exposed to asbestos during military or commercial shipping operations may be eligible for veterans’ disability benefits. These claims provide essential financial support for affected individuals and their families.