Oil, Gas, and Energy Workers

Oil, gas, and energy industry workers were frequently exposed to asbestos due to its extensive use in industrial settings for its heat-resistant and fireproofing properties. Asbestos was a key material in insulation, gaskets, fireproof coatings, and industrial piping systems, making it a staple in power plants, oil refineries, gas processing facilities, and offshore platforms. These facilities operated under extreme temperatures and high-pressure conditions, necessitating materials that could withstand such environments. However, the reliance on asbestos unknowingly placed workers at significant risk of inhaling airborne asbestos fibers, which are now known to cause severe health issues.

Refineries and Processing Plants: Workers in oil refineries and gas processing plants were regularly exposed to asbestos while handling insulated piping, boilers, distillation units, and other high-temperature equipment. Maintenance and repair activities, such as cutting or removing insulation, often released asbestos fibers into the air, which workers inhaled unknowingly. Over time, the wear and tear of asbestos-containing materials further increased the risk of exposure.

Power Plants: Power plant workers faced daily exposure to asbestos, particularly in areas with asbestos-wrapped turbines, boilers, steam lines, and other heat-intensive machinery. The insulation used in these systems often deteriorated over time, releasing hazardous fibers into the air. Routine maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to aging equipment further disturbed asbestos materials, compounding the risk of exposure.

Oil Rigs and Offshore Platforms: Workers on oil rigs and offshore platforms encountered asbestos in fireproofing materials, gaskets, and heat-resistant panels used in drilling and extraction equipment. The confined spaces and harsh conditions of these environments often exacerbated the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers, especially during maintenance or emergency repairs.

Maintenance Crews and Pipefitters: Maintenance workers, pipefitters, and other tradespeople were among the most at risk due to their direct handling of asbestos-containing materials. Tasks such as cutting, removing, and replacing asbestos gaskets, pipe insulation, and other components frequently disturbed asbestos fibers, releasing them into the air. These workers often lacked adequate protective equipment or awareness of the dangers, further increasing their exposure.

Repair and Replacement of Aging Materials: Many workers were exposed while repairing or replacing aging asbestos materials, which had become brittle and prone to releasing fibers. This was particularly common in older facilities where asbestos-containing products had been in use for decades. The lack of proper safety protocols and awareness at the time meant that workers unknowingly inhaled fibers, significantly increasing their risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.

Industries with High Asbestos Exposure for Oil, Gas, and Energy Workers

Asbestos was extensively utilized across various energy-related industries due to its exceptional heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. In power plants, asbestos was a critical component in insulating turbines, steam pipes, boilers, and electrical systems. These materials were essential for managing the extreme heat generated by power generation processes. However, as insulation aged and deteriorated, it released airborne asbestos fibers, putting power plant workers at significant risk of inhalation, especially during maintenance and repair activities.

In oil refineries, asbestos was equally prevalent, used to insulate processing equipment, pumps, distillation towers, and other high-temperature machinery. Refinery workers were frequently exposed to asbestos fibers during routine operations, as well as during the repair or replacement of worn-out insulation. The constant handling of asbestos-containing materials in these facilities created a hazardous environment, often without workers being aware of the long-term health risks.

Offshore oil rigs and drilling platforms also relied heavily on asbestos for its fireproofing and heat-resistant properties. Asbestos gaskets, fireproof coatings, and insulation wraps were commonly used in drilling and extraction equipment. The confined spaces and harsh conditions of offshore platforms heightened the risk of exposure, as workers were often in close proximity to deteriorating asbestos materials or disturbed fibers during maintenance tasks.

Gas processing facilities similarly depended on asbestos for its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures. Pipelines, valves, and compressor stations were equipped with asbestos gaskets, seals, and insulation. Gas workers were particularly vulnerable during maintenance and repair operations, where cutting, removing, or replacing asbestos-containing components released fibers into the air.

Across all these industries, the widespread use of asbestos created a pervasive risk, with workers unknowingly inhaling fibers that could lead to severe health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Asbestos-Containing Products Used by Oil, Gas, and Energy Workers

Oil, gas, and energy workers faced significant asbestos exposure throughout their careers due to the mineral’s extensive use in industrial applications. Asbestos was prized for its heat resistance, durability, and fireproofing properties, making it a staple in insulation, gaskets, coatings, and piping systems. These industries operated under extreme temperatures and high-pressure conditions, necessitating materials that could withstand such demands. Asbestos was used to insulate machinery, prevent fires, and reinforce critical systems, but its widespread application unknowingly placed workers in direct contact with hazardous airborne fibers. Over time, the deterioration, disturbance, or maintenance of asbestos-containing materials released microscopic fibers into the air, creating a persistent health risk.

Below are the primary asbestos-containing products that oil, gas, and energy workers encountered during their careers.

Insulation & Refractory Products: Among the most common asbestos-containing products encountered by oil, gas, and energy workers were insulation and refractory materials. These were used extensively in boilers, steam pipes, turbines, and refinery equipment to minimize heat loss and reduce fire hazards. Asbestos cement products were also prevalent, found in structural components such as cooling towers, pipeline supports, and refinery buildings. When these materials were disturbed during construction, maintenance, or demolition, they released asbestos fibers into the environment, further increasing exposure risks.

Asbestos Gaskets and Seals: These were another major source of exposure, particularly in piping systems, valves, and high-pressure equipment. These components were essential for maintaining the integrity of industrial systems but posed a significant hazard during repairs and replacements, as the handling of worn or damaged gaskets often released asbestos fibers. Similarly, asbestos adhesives, coatings, paints, and sealants were widely applied to steel structures, storage tanks, and processing units as fireproofing measures. Over time, these materials degraded, contributing to airborne asbestos contamination.

Protective Clothing & Textiles: Workers were also exposed through asbestos-containing protective clothing and textiles. Gloves, aprons, and fireproof suits made from asbestos were commonly worn by those in oil rigs, refineries, and power plants to shield against high heat and fire. However, as these garments aged and deteriorated, they released fibers, further compounding the risk of exposure.

The confined and high-heat environments typical of oil, gas, and energy facilities exacerbated the dangers of asbestos exposure. In such settings, asbestos fibers could remain suspended in the air for extended periods, increasing the likelihood of inhalation. Prolonged exposure to these fibers placed workers at a heightened risk of developing severe health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, often years or decades after their initial exposure. This widespread use of asbestos in energy-related industries underscores the long-term health challenges faced by workers and highlights the critical need for awareness, regulation, and protective measures.

Medical Conditions Linked to Asbestos Exposure for Oil, Gas, and Energy Workers

Oil, gas, and energy workers were frequently exposed to asbestos due to its widespread use in high-temperature insulation, fireproofing, and industrial piping systems. Because power plants, refineries, and drilling sites operated under extreme heat and pressure, asbestos was used in boilers, turbines, pipelines, and protective coatings—unknowingly exposing workers to hazardous airborne fibers. Below are the most common diseases linked to oil, gas, and energy workers’ asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer caused exclusively by asbestos exposure. Workers in refineries, drilling platforms, and power plants were frequently exposed to asbestos insulation and high-temperature components.

Lung Cancer: Long-term exposure to asbestos-laden gaskets, boilers, and industrial piping significantly increased the risk of lung cancer.

Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease caused by scarring from inhaled asbestos fibers, leading to breathing difficulties and lung tissue damage.

Throat & Gastrointestinal Cancers: Many oil, gas, and energy workers handled asbestos coatings, pipe insulation, and gaskets, putting them at risk of laryngeal, stomach, and colorectal cancers.

Because these workers operated in confined, high-heat environments where asbestos insulation deteriorated over time, they unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibers daily, leading to serious illnesses decades later.

Our Law Firm Assists Oil, Gas, and Energy Workers Affected by Asbestos Exposure

Oil, gas, and energy workers were frequently exposed to asbestos while working in refineries, drilling sites, power plants, and offshore rigs. Asbestos was widely used in insulation for pipelines, boilers, turbines, and fireproofing materials due to its heat-resistant properties. Workers involved in drilling operations, equipment maintenance, and industrial construction often encountered asbestos in gaskets, pumps, and protective clothing. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers has led many workers to develop serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. Our law firm is committed to guiding oil, gas, and energy workers through the legal process, providing comprehensive support in the following areas:

Asbestos Trust Claims: Many manufacturers and suppliers of asbestos-containing materials used in the oil, gas, and energy sectors have established trust funds to compensate 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 equipment and materials used in refineries, power plants, and drilling sites can be held accountable through legal action. Workers exposed to asbestos while maintaining pipelines, handling industrial insulation, or operating drilling rigs 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 oil, gas, and energy industry workers.

Asbestos Disability Claims: Workers diagnosed with asbestos-related conditions may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if their illness prevents them from working. Additionally, veterans who were exposed to asbestos while working on military fuel depots, power stations, or defense-related energy projects may be eligible for veterans’ disability benefits. These claims provide essential financial support for affected individuals and their families.