Crane men, Derrick men, and hoist men were all different types of occupations that worked with lifting machinery. Cranes were used in a wide range of areas, derricks were commonly used in docks or over oil wells, and hoists were often used in construction work. All of these operators could have been exposed to asbestos during the time of their work, as asbestos was widely used in the construction industry and in shipbuilding. As a result of this, these operators would have been at risk of contracting Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

Where Was Asbestos Used?

One area where asbestos was often used was in brakes. Thus, crane and hoist men may be exposed to asbestos if they were around when their hoist or crane brakes were being repaired.

The Lifting or Lowering of Asbestos-Containing Materials

In their work, crane men, derrick men, and hoist men were often responsible for lifting or lowering asbestos-containing products. Derricks were also used in asbestos mines to carry the asbestos sheets when they were removed, and even today, hoists are used in asbestos abatement projects to remove asbestos-containing ceilings. If these products released any asbestos particles into the air, then they could put the crane men, derrick men, or hoist men at risk.

Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Another risk factor for crane men, derrick men, and hoist men was the environment in which they often worked. Construction sites often contained a lot of asbestos dust due to all the asbestos containing materials that were used on the site. The asbestos mines in which derricks were used were also very dusty with asbestos particles. These environments put the crane men, derrick men, and hoist men at risk of contracting Mesothelioma from the airborne asbestos.