ExxonMobil Did Not Comply With Asbestos Safety Regulations, Says Lawsuit
<p>According to recent reports, Exxon Mobile failed to implement significant safety measures in order to protect workers from exposure to asbestos in materials used by the company. Louisiana First Court of Appeals upheld a 2006 trial court’s judgment against the company in which substantial damages were awarded to the family members of a former employee of the company who contracted mesothelioma, allegedly from working with asbestos containing materials used by the company.</p>
<p>Bruce Spillman, a former resident of Baton Rouge, worked on towboats for Exxon Mobile from 1945-1949, and as welder and in the oil refinery from 1949-1986. During these times Spillman was exposed to asbestos insulated pipes which are thought to be the cause of his subsequent diagnosis of and death from mesothelioma.</p>
<p>Apparently Exxon was aware of the dangers being posed by the exposure to asbestos fibers but failed to either alert its workers of these dangers and/or instruct them to wear the proper protective face masks.</p>
<p>Representative for the family, Renee Melancon states that, “Exxon’s own documents reveal that the company knew that the use of asbestos insulation in the petroleum industry was hazardous to workers like our client,” and that, “Exxon even outlined a strategy for minimizing asbestos exposure in its facilities in 1937, but just never bothered to follow through on the plan to protect its workers.” </p>
<p>Although Exxon made an effort to claim immunity, the court held that the plaintiffs possessed adequate evidence that the company knew of the need to protect its workers from asbestos exposure.</p>