Machinists/ Machinist's Mates & Asbestos Exposure

Machinists/ Machinist's Mates

Machinists were frequently in danger of using materials that contained asbestos. In this line of work, the machinist would cut, drill and grind metals creating poisonous asbestos dust in the process. Machinists would also operate power and heat systems and repair broken machinery. They would use power tools such as drill presses, grinders, and milling machines in order to produce metal parts to precise specifications. It was not unusual for these workers to be wearing protective gear and blankets made with asbestos.

When these items started to fray due to being worn down, asbestos particles easily became airborne. Machinists would frequently bring these asbestos fibers home on their clothes and body. This way, family members were often subjected to second-hand exposure and were also at risk for having their health deteriorate in time.

A strong link was found between breathing asbestos dust and developing asbestos-related diseases like lung cancer, mesothelioma or asbestosis. For these machinists, the diagnosis of illnesses caused by asbestos exposure is usually given way too late due to the prolonged latency of these disorders.

Machinists were also present in the military, with the rating of machinist's mate. They were performing their work in the Navy, the Air Force, the Army and the Marine Corps. Also known as engine mechanics, machinist’s mates were responsible for inspecting, adjusting, testing, repairing, and overhauling engines and propellers. They would install multiple aircraft engine types and accessories, as well as gearboxes, related fuel systems, and lubrication systems. Because the equipment they would be in charge of was manufactured with asbestos products, machinist’s mates are now at a moderate risk of receiving a serious diagnosis.

Relevant job titles

insulation machinist
machinist helper
marine machinist
outside machinist
steam machinist
tool room machinist
navy machinist
furnace machinist
mechanic
machinery operator
manual machinist
aviation machinist's mate

Asbestos-related cancer eligible for filing a claim

If you developed one of the following cancers as a result of occupational exposure, you are eligible for compensation. If you are too ill, a family member can help you with the legal process. In the unfortunate event that you pass away before recovering compensation, your surviving family members will receive compensation on your behalf.

If, however, you struggle with non-cancerous pleural diseases such as asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural plaques, pleural effusion, diffuse pleural thickening, COPD (emphysema & chronic bronchitis), pleurisy, lung nodules, lung spots, asthma, pneumonitis, tuberculosis, rounded atelectasis or lung scarring, please seek a second or even a third opinion as the rate of misdiagnosis is very high among the victims of asbestos exposure.

Companies that exposed machinists/ machinist's mates to asbestos

Labor union members are also eligible

Asbestos products handled by machinists/ machinist's mates

Occupational asbestos exposure was common among machinists who worked before the 1980s. Because the equipment was subjected to high temperatures and a lot of friction, proper insulation was mandatory. Cutting gaskets from asbestos graphite sheets was another way in which exposure could have occurred. Additionally, machinists had to wear protective clothing made with asbestos (blankets, aprons, and gloves) to guard themselves against extreme heat and sparks.