For years, the railroad industry has been aware of the risks associated with creosote exposure, but have failed to properly educate employees so that they may be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions.

Railroad workers who have suffered injury because of creosote health hazards on the job can hold their employers liable for damages under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

What is Creosote?

Creosote is the name used for numerous substances that are produced using high temperature treatment of coal, certain woods, or resin from the creosote bush.

Widely used and unregulated for almost two centuries, creosote can be found in thousands of miles of railroad tracks and rail yards across the country. However, recent research has linked creosote to a number of health hazards, including convulsions, liver disease, cancer, and even death.

Possible Effects of Creosote Exposure

Creosote has been linked to an array of short- and long-term health effects. Short-term effects of creosote exposure include chemical burns of the mouth, eyes, throat, or stomach, convulsions, confusion, and respiratory tract irritation.

Long-term consequences of creosote exposure include:

• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Skin cancer
• Scrotum cancer

The health effects of creosote exposure tend to vary according to duration and amount of exposure. However, even low levels of exposure over an extended period of time have been associated with serious, long-term health effects.

Creosote and Railroad Workers

Unfortunately, railroad workers, primarily maintenance of way employees, are exposed to high concentrations of creosote on a daily basis. They are, therefore, at a higher risk for diseases tied to creosote exposure.

The risks arise when workers breathe in vapors, or have direct skin contact with creosote solutions or freshly treated wood.

In an October 2002 report, the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry detailed that “workers who work with creosote-treated wood in building fences, bridges or railroad tracks or installing telephone poles may face exposure. Those who inspect or maintain these materials … also risk exposure to creosote.”

Filing a Railroad Worker Cancer Lawsuit

Unfortunately, because of the lack of creosote regulation for so many years, those who work in industries where exposure to creosote is common – such as in railroad yards – are especially at risk of developing cancer or experiencing other creosote-related health problems.

The Federal Employers’ Liability Act allows injured railroad workers to bring lawsuits against their employers if it is determined their injuries were the result of willful or unintended negligence on the part of the companies they work for.

The law requires railroad companies to provide their employees with safe working conditions. When railroad companies fail in this obligation, they may be held liable for damages suffered as a result.

If you have suffered injury because of workplace creosote health hazards, you need to ensure your legal rights are protected. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, lost earnings and income capacity, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced FELA attorney can evaluate your case and help you determine a course of action.