Work in the railroad industry can often lead to serious injuries. In this blog, we will focus on the effects of repetitive exposure to elevated levels of noise, physical trauma and harmful chemicals, also known as occupational diseases.
Hearing loss
Prolonged exposure to loud machinery, train horns and engines can cause a railroad worker to develop irreversible hearing damage. According to FRA regulations, train horns must emit a minimum sound level of 96 decibels (dB) and a maximum of 110 dB when measured at one hundred feet.
As railroad workers often stay near the tracks for their entire shifts, this also means repeated exposure to the noise and vibrations from the passing trains. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association states that a sound level of 85 dBA can lead to hearing loss if you listen to it for more than 8 hours at a time.
Repetitive stress injuries
Handling vibrating equipment is a common occurrence in the railroad industry. A worker can develop Raynaud’s syndrome or Vibration White Finger from the repetitive use of vibratory hand tools.
Other repetitive tasks like bending or lifting heavy objects can lead to wear and tear of the spine discs, a form of chronic illness medically referred to as Degenerative Disk Disease.
Exposure to hazardous substances
Harmful chemicals can come into contact through the eyes, nose, mouth or skin of the railroad worker. These dangerous toxins originate from asbestos-laden materials, gases, aerosols and dust, making their way through the respiratory tract.
Once inhaled or ingested, these particles can irritate the respiratory tract, cause heart problems or renal diseases and even progress into serious conditions like cancer.
How to succeed in filing your FELA claim
It might feel overwhelming to find balance between working, receiving treatment for your occupational disease and fighting for your rights. A trusted railroad workers’ advocate by your side can guide you through the complexity of the FELA process, helping you pursue the fair compensation that you deserve.