How Machine Operators are Exposed to Asbestos and Other Information
Posted on: September 30, 2024Machine operators have historically faced significant risks of asbestos exposure, particularly before the 1980s when asbestos was widely used in machinery, equipment, and construction materials. This hazardous mineral was valued for its fireproofing and strengthening properties, making it a common component in industrial settings. Machine operators were often exposed to asbestos during construction and demolition projects, as well as during the maintenance and repair of machinery, where they came into direct contact with asbestos-containing materials.
The risks associated with asbestos exposure for machine operators are substantial, given the widespread use of the mineral in their work environment. As of 2019, there were approximately 1,230,000 machine operators in the United States, many of whom still face ongoing exposure risks. The potential for asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, remains high among these workers. Occupations similar to machine operators, such as foremen, metal workers, and construction workers, also share these elevated risks due to their exposure to asbestos in similar industrial contexts.