The Lockheed Shipyard

Commonly referred to as the Lockheed Shipyard, the Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company opened in 1898 on Harbor Island on the Duwamish River in Seattle, Washington. While it was originally known as the "Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company," the new owners of the company changed its name to Lockheed Shipyard in 1959. Just 11 years shy of its centennial anniversary, the Lockheed Shipyard closed in 1987.

Working at Lockheed Shipyard: What is Shipbuilding?

Among its work with ships, the Lockheed Shipyard was primarily a shipbuilding facility, meaning that workers did everything from electrically outfit a ship to welding the ship's very frame. This type of construction work put shipbuilders at the Lockheed Shipyard in regular contact with asbestos, as it was used in:

• boiler rooms and incinerators
• drywall and insulation
• gaskets
• fire breaks and fireproofed equipment
• linings, sealants and sprays
• shingles, pipes and tiles
• textiles, such as rope
• water tanks

In addition to being surrounded with materials made from asbestos, it's important to note that shipbuilders tend to be exposed to higher levels of asbestos due to the enclosed, poorly ventilated nature of their working environments.

As a result, shipbuilding has been known for being dangerous, intense work, as shipyard workers are regularly exposed to asbestos and other harmful materials in extremely confined quarters.

Health Complications of Asbestos Exposure

During its operation, the Lockheed Shipyard exposed many of its workers to dangerous levels of asbestos, as mainstream asbestos regulations weren't in effect until 1987.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and significant exposure can result in the development of a variety of life-threatening illnesses such as:

• lung cancer
• mesothelioma
• asbestosis
• other cancers

If you are a former Lockheed Shipyard worker who has developed an asbestos-related illness, it’s in your best interest to seek help as soon as possible. Contact us today for more information.