Minnesota is a state that is rich in manufacturing, mining and production, and these industries have some of the highest rates of asbestos exposure. Not surprising, a recent nationwide study found that Minnesota ranked 14th in the nation for asbestosis- and mesothelioma-related deaths, both of which can be caused by asbestos exposure. If you have worked in these industries and think or know that you were exposed to asbestos, know that you have rights and may be able to seek compensation
Asbestos in Minnesota
Asbestos refers to six types of naturally occurring minerals that are composed of fine, durable fibers. Because of their durability and natural resistance to fire, the minerals were mined and used to make a number of everyday products. Inhaling these fibers has been linked to a number of different conditions and cancers later in life, and workers in many specific industries in Minnesota were exposed to these potentially deadly fibers. For example, asbestos exposure may have happened in:
Iron Mining – Minnesota is home to Iron Range, which had a booming iron mining industry in the 1970’s. After a while, miners in this area began mining taconite, and taconite dust contained asbestos fibers. Those who mined taconite were three times more likely to develop asbestos-related illnesses than the state average.
Flour Mills – Big companies like General Mills and Pillsbury opened factories in Minneapolis, but they used asbestos materials in their construction and equipment, meaning their workers may have been unintentionally exposed.
Oil Refineries – Some Minnesota oil refineries have actually won awards for their safety and environmental approaches, but decades ago they too used asbestos.
Power Plants – Many power plants used asbestos minerals because of their natural protection against combustion and fires, but knowing what we know now, we can see how this exposed power plant workers to danger.
Natural Deposits – Minnesota has two confirmed sites for natural asbestos deposits in the Aurora and Eastern Mesabi areas.
Scrapyards and Landfills – Similar to the oil refineries, many scrap yards and landfills and taken major steps to remove asbestos and asbestos-related materials from their facilities, so although they are no longer dangerous places for workers, older employees may have been exposed decades ago.
So if you worked in any of these industries or other manufacturing plants and your doctor suggests that any health issues may be related to on-the-job health risks, reach out to the lawyers at Hey Workers. We’ll help guide you through the system and get you the compensation you deserve. Even if your company did not know about the risks of asbestos, you are still entitled to payment. Let us help you get what you’re entitled to receive. Call us at (844) 439-9675.
