Kaiser Vancouver Shipyard

Kaiser Vancouver Shipyard is located in Vancouver, Washington, and is one of the many shipyards that have done a great deal to contribute to war efforts. During the war years, shipyards across the country were involved in supplying ships and other types of vessels for the Navy operations.

During World War II, the Kaiser Vancouver Shipyard became widely recognized for its ability to produce ships at a rapid speed. Eventually, the shipyard extended its services into Oregon and California. At this time the three Kaiser locations were able to build over 140 ships for the United States Navy.

Workers at Risk of Asbestos Exposure

Wartime was the most prosperous for Kaiser Vancouver Shipyard and over 100,000 workers became employed to contribute to the success. The shipyard workers were responsible for building cargo ships, tank landing crafts and various types of troop transports. Unfortunately, all of these tasks involved working with and around asbestos and other dangerous substances.

Even though the Kaiser Vancouver Shipyard could create ships at a rapid speed, there is still concern regarding the toxic substance the workers were being exposed to on a daily basis. Like most other shipyards in America at this time, asbestos was used within the dwellings of the ships and on various parts of the base.

Since workers were trained to build things fast due to the high demand, workers commonly disrupted materials, like asbestos, which in turn released thousands of particles into the air.

Asbestos Exposure Proven to be Fatal

Although the dangers of asbestos were largely unknown decades ago, it has now been proven that the substance can be extremely dangerous if inhaled. The mineral, which comes in the form of tiny fibers, can cause various illnesses, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, to those who are exposed over a period of time.

Many victims of asbestos exposure, for instance, those who worked at places like Kaiser Vancouver Shipyard, don’t know whether they were exposed to the material until 20 to 40 years later when symptoms begin to show.

If you are a former employee of Kaiser Vancouver Shipyard or other shipyard and have been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness or are concerned you may be at risk, please contact us today to learn more about financial, medical, and support options available to you and your loved ones.