For decades, asbestos was touted as a miracle material for industrial uses. It is fire-resistant, durable, cheap and it became a staple in industries like shipbuilding, steel production, construction and automotive manufacturing. But beneath the practical uses lurked a silent killer: tiny fibers that can embed themselves in the lungs and other human tissues when inhaled and ingested, later causing certain cancers.
If you or a loved one worked for Raytech or Raybestos, or handled their asbestos products, and later fell ill, contact out attorneys to discuss taking legal action. Our law firm has filed numerous asbestos exposure claims and have settled personal injury claims on behalf of clients nationwide.
Understanding the Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Workers at Raytech, a company historically involved in manufacturing asbestos-containing products like brake linings and clutches (as a successor to Raybestos), were exposed to different levels of asbestos, depending on their positions and proximity to the toxic materials.
Manufacturing and Production Workers
- Production Line Workers: These employees may have handled asbestos directly, shaping materials, which can release airborne fibers.
- Assemblers: Workers assembling components like brake pads or clutches were regularly exposed.
- Machinists: Those operating machinery to cut, grind, or shape products faced high exposure due to dust and fiber release, especially without proper ventilation.
Quality Control and Inspection Staff
- Quality Inspectors: QC workers checked finished products, often handling contaminated items, leading to frequent exposure.
- Testing Personnel: Employees testing brakes or clutches could inhale fibers during trials, particularly if friction or heat was involved.
Maintenance and Repair Technicians
- Maintenance Workers: Responsible for repairing production machinery, they regularly faced asbestos dust on equipment, increasing exposure during repairs or cleaning.
- Facility Technicians: Those maintaining building infrastructure, like piping and insulation, might have disturbed asbestos materials.
Warehouse and Shipping Employees
- Warehouse Staff: Workers storing or packaging asbestos products were exposed when handling or moving them.
- Shipping Personnel: Employees loading and transporting products risked inhaling fibers, especially if packaging was damaged.
Asbestos-related illnesses can lay dormant for 20 to 50 years, and when the symptoms begin to show themselves, it may be too late for proper treatment. That is why it is crucial to remain vigilant for any sign of cancer after working in a high-risk position.
