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How Can a Utilitiesman Get Mesothelioma by Occupational Exposure to Asbestos?
The utilitiesman rating was first established in 1948, with many workers originating from the water tender rating that was established in 1884. A utilitiesman is responsible for planning, supervising and performing tasks necessary to install, maintain and repair various systems throughout Navy vessels. They work with plumbing, fuel storage, fuel distribution, steam, heating, water treatment, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Like civilian HVAC workers, utilitiesmen were often exposed to asbestos insulation, drywall, pipe wrap and other building materials that were disturbed when they completed their work on plumbing, compressed air, heating and air conditioning systems and appliances. Once these materials were disturbed, microscopic asbestos fibers could become airborne where those around them could inhale them. These fibers could enter the body and eventually result in mesothelioma.
Common job duties of utilitiesmen include:
- Follow drawings and specifications
- Read blueprints
- Prepare sketches for projects
- Make estimates of material, labor and equipment requirements
- Schedule and evaluate installation of systems in vessels
- Install, repair and maintain refrigeration equipment
- Install, repair and maintain sewage collecting and disposal facilities at Navy shore installations
- Identify and carry out procedures to eliminate or minimize the adverse effects of environmental pollution
- Prepare records and reports
- Assist in recovery operations
- Assist in developing disaster preparation programs
Locations in the United States for the Highest Employment Rates for Utilitiesmen
Only about 750 people are currently enlisted as utilitiesmen in the United States. These individuals are deployed to locations based on the particular needs of the country.
Similar Occupations as Utilitiesmen
Similar occupations as utilitiesmen include the following:
- Boatswain’s mates
- Boilermakers
- Damage controlmen
- Deck workers
- Electrician
- Electrician’s mates
- Enginemen
- HVAC workers
- Insulators
- Pipefitters
- Steamfitters
Lawsuits and Settlements Involving Utilitiesmen and Mesothelioma
Given the low number of utilitiesmen, there are no known lawsuits involving utilitiesmen who have pursued compensation through a personal injury claim after developing mesothelioma. However, if a utilitiesman did develop mesothelioma because of occupational exposure, he or she would have the right to file a lawsuit of this nature. Another option would be to file a VA claim, which requires showing that at least 50% of asbestos exposure occurred during the utilitiesman’s time in the Navy. Finally, these workers may be able to make a claim with an asbestos trust fund founded by a manufacturer who
Studies Related to Utilitiesmen and Asbestos
While there are no known studies related to utilitiesmen and exposure to asbestos, there have been a few studies that have explored the connection between the Navy and asbestos exposure. For example, a 2018 Vanderbilt University study found there were many more deaths stemming from mesothelioma of Navy veterans who worked in areas with a high potential for asbestos exposure. Even though the surveyed workers only represented 20% of these jobs, they were responsible for 55% of the total number of deaths.
A 2010 study entitled “Asbestos-related cancers among 28,300 military servicemen in the Royal Norwegian Navy” found increased risks of mesothelioma among engine room crews. It also found higher rates for lung cancer in engine room crew and non-engine room crew and colorectal cancer in non-engine crew. These individuals likely would have worked with many of the same materials that utilitiesmen were regularly exposed to.
Although the U.S. government is immune from suit for causing asbestos exposure, a 2011 study “Government and Navy knowledge regarding health hazards of asbestos: A state of the science evaluation (1900 to 1970)” revealed that the Navy was aware of the connection between asbestosis and asbestos exposure as early as 1930 although it did not discontinue use of asbestos products on its ships until 1980.
Utilitiesmen perform similar functions as civilian HVAC workers. A 2017 study published in EC Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine analyzed asbestosis fatalities in the United States from 1970 to 2014 and found that HVAC workers’ mortality rate for asbestosis was more than four times higher than that of the general population.
Types of Asbestos Products Used by Utilitiesmen
Navy ships once contained more than 300 asbestos-containing products, so utilitiesmen may have been exposed to asbestos from a variety of products, such as:
- Boilers
- Steam or water piping
- Boiler surfaces
- Furnace ducts
- Sealants and adhesives
- Pipe and duct wrappings
- Pipe tape
- Pumps, valves and hydraulics
- Gaskets and packings
- Drywall
- Joint compound
- Electrical wire coatings
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- Firewall bricks
Manufacturers of Asbestos Products Used by Utilitiesmen
Some of the large manufacturers that sold asbestos-containing products to the general public also sold them to the Navy. Asbestos was known to be included in the following types of Navy vessels:
- Aircraft barriers
- Ammunition and explosive freighters
- Amphibious assault craft
- Auxiliary ships
- Battleships
- Corvettes
- Cruisers
- Cutters
- Destroyers
- Destroyer escorts
- Escort carriers
- Frigates
- Hospital vessels
- Landing craft
- Liberty ships
- Merchant marine ships
- Minesweepers
- Oilers and tankers
- Patrol boats
- Submarines
- Troop carriers
