BAILEY YARD 
Diesel Exhaust Exposure

Which Cancers are Linked to Railroad Diesel Exposure?

Published studies have linked diesel exhaust to a myriad of poor health outcomes. Research has shown an increased risk for strokes, heart disease, as well as throat, stomach, kidney, pancreatic, and blood cancers. Lung cancer, however, has been the most widely cited risk for workers who regularly face diesel exhaust exposure. 

Leukemia may also be directly caused by toxic exposure to benzene, a component of diesel fuel. If you or a loved one worked at the North Platte Bailey Yard or another Union Pacific railyard, and have been diagnosed with one of the following diesel exhaust inhalation cancers or conditions, you may have a viable claim:

Former workers have claimed that railroad companies failed in the past to provide a safe workplace, and may have failed to warn or train employees about the hazards of diesel exhaust at specific work sites. When an employer is found negligent in work safety claims, workers can more easily file suit. Such evidence may be more difficult to come by in some cases of toxic exposure, but you are encouraged to come forward to speak for yourselves and your fellow workers. 

Which Bailey Yard Workers Are Exposed to Diesel?

RAILROAD MACHINISTS

Bailey Yard and Union Pacific employees like machinists, pipefitters, and electricians have typically been exposed to a large quantity of diesel exhaust, asbestos, and welding fumes. Shop workers have also historically been exposed to other industrial toxins in solvents, degreasers, lubricants, and various fuels.

Machinists at Union Pacific and the Bailey Yard work site have been diagnosed with lung cancer, AML, multiple myeloma and several lung diseases. The nature of the work in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation exacerbated the problem, and raised the risk of later developing an occupational cancer. 

LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEERS/CONDUCTORS/BRAKEMEN

By design, diesel exhaust is meant to remain outside the cabs of locomotives, but anyone who has ever been inside a running train knows that is not always the case. There is a pervasive smell of diesel and many Union Pacific employees have reported continually cleaning the inside windows of cabs because of the buildup of a toxic diesel fuel film. 

Bailey Yard workers (and their families) can attest to the fact that when the work day is done, there remains an unmistakable odor of diesel exhaust that is carted back home on clothing and person. 

CARMEN, TRACKMEN, AND EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Rail workers who are tasked with maintaining or constructing tracks and yards have also been exposed to diesel exhaust as they work alongside locomotives and track equipment. Poorly ventilated work sites, combined with diesel-powered machines running in close quarters, creates a risky work environment, which can turn into a breeding ground for diesel exhaust exposure cancers if workers do not take the proper precautions. 

RAILROAD MECHANICS

The many mechanics who maintain and repair locomotives and rail cars have probably always been heavily exposed to diesel exhaust fumes. Diesel engine mechanics have worked in poorly ventilated roundhouses and shops where engines run in small spaces.

Mechanics encounter running locomotives which also produce other harmful inhalants like ballast dust. The machinery itself and even the buildings, constructed long ago, may also be lined with toxic asbestos-insulated steam pipes and boilers, and asbestos brake pads and linings.

In short, anyone at Bailey Yard or around a Union Pacific railyard may have been exposed to diesel exhaust and be at risk. The longer the employment, it is assumed that the longer the exposure and hence, the greater the risk for later developing an occupational lung cancer. 

Railroad cancer cases may be connected to other railroad locations as well. Contact a workplace injury attorney to learn more about the health implications of railroad work, and if you have questions about filing a personal injury claim. 

Contact Us to Pursue a Railroad Cancer Lawsuit Settlement

Occupational cancer cases are often life-threatening medical conditions that result in physical, emotional, and financial hardships for families. You may choose legal action to help at least partially resolve such a difficult challenge.

If you or a loved one were exposed to diesel exhaust fumes of other industrial toxins while working for a railroad company, and have since developed cancer, lung conditions, or other related illnesses, contact the Lyon Firm at (513) 381-2333. We have the relevant experience and resources needed to reach the compensation you deserve.