The Kaiser Shipyards were seven of the largest shipbuilding yards on the west coast during World War II. The shipyards were owned by the Kaiser Shipbuilding Company, which was developed by U.S. industrialist Henry J. Kaiser.

Kaiser established the shipyards in 1939 to help meet the rigorous construction goals that were implemented by the United States Maritime Commission for merchant shipping. Four of the Kaiser Shipyards were located in Richmond, CA, while the others conducted business in Washington.

The Kaiser Shipyards Richmond produced over 747 ships, more than any other shipyard in the United States. Among the ships produced were the famous Red Oak Victory and the Casablanca -class escort series.

Shipbuilding Method at Kaiser Shipyard Richmond

Kaiser Shipyard Richmond was recognized for its innovative new methods of shipbuilding. The technique used at the shipyards enabled the workers to develop other facilities that were similar in structure. Altogether, the shipyards produced 1, 490 ships, which contributed to 27 percent of the total Maritime Commission construction.

Shipyard Workers Exposed to Asbestos

When the shipyards began operations during World War II, thousands of civilians were employed and worked daily in hazardous conditions where they were unknowingly exposed to asbestos .

Welders, mechanics and machinists were among the thousands of employees who worked daily in unfit conditions without knowing that they were inhaling asbestos and bringing home asbestos fibers on their clothing to their families. As a result of this exposure, former workers from Kaiser Shipyard Richmond may now be suffering from asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma.

Shipyard Workers Develop Mesothelioma

Due to their exposure to asbestos through the years, many shipyard workers developed a rare form of cancer known as mesothlioma. Mesothelioma is a fatal disease that is caused by first and second hand exposure to asbestos. Since these workers were consistently exposed to asbestos through the products they were using to build ships, many of them have already become victims of mesothelioma, while others are still at risk since the illness takes 20-50 years until symptoms become evident.

Contact us today if you are a former shipyard employee who has already been diagnosed with mesothelioma or fear that you could be at risk. We will help you learn more about the resources available to you.