Railroad Employees at Risk of Injury & Chemical Exposure

Railroad work is physically demanding, often dangerous, and frequently conducted in high-risk environments involving moving equipment, heavy machinery, and hazardous chemicals.

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, thousands of injured workers each year suffer traumatic injuries, toxic exposure, or both.

Many of these workers go on to file FELA cases when a railroad employer violates a safety statute or fails to provide a safe work environment.

Exposure to chemicals (like diesel exhaust, solvents, and benzene), combined with the risk of falls, crush injuries, and broken bones has affected generations of workers across the rail industry.

Despite decades of evolving safety knowledge, some employers continue to neglect the basic responsibilities of employment, leaving workers with long-term health consequences and diminished ability to earn or live without pain.

In severe cases, workers have been killed on the job due to preventable hazards.

FELA not only provides a legal path to hold negligent companies accountable, but also helps workers and families recover the pay and support they’ve lost due to workplace injuries or illness.

Railroad workers commonly at risk of injury and chemical exposure include:

• Track Engineers – exposed to track machinery, welding fumes, and potential crush injuries
• Brakemen & Conductors – frequent exposure to fuel fumes, moving trains, and unsafe coupling systems
• Brakemen – high-contact roles involving manual train connections and frequent risk of falls and trauma
• Trackmen – direct exposure to dust, vibration, loud noise, and diesel-powered tools
• Locomotive Shop Workers – constant contact with solvents, degreasers, and diesel exhaust
• Track/Engineering Department Employees – ongoing use of chemicals and machinery in confined or open environments
• Railroad Car Department Workers – often work with rust removers, paint, adhesives, and petroleum-based products
• Equipment Operators – exposed to moving machinery, airborne particulates, and physical strain
• Welders – risk of inhaling fumes, flash burns, and repetitive stress injuries
• Electricians – potential for electrical burns, shock, and solvent exposure in enclosed areas
• Signal Maintainers – frequently injured working near live tracks and exposed to extreme conditions
• Shop and Car Department Employees – exposed to various toxic chemicals and rotating equipment
• Machinists – risk of hand injuries, inhaling metal dust, and working around hazardous oils
• Pipefitters – work with pressurized systems and often in contact with chemical residues
• Electricians – often work in confined areas with high-voltage systems and exposure to chemical coatings
• Carmen/Mechanics – responsible for inspecting and repairing train cars, often using degreasers, paints, and fuels

These roles not only carry risks of physical harm, but many also involve prolonged, routine exposure to hazardous substances that may lead to life-altering health conditions over time.

Railroad workers face serious risks of both traumatic injury and toxic exposure due to the nature of their jobs.

These risks are present across nearly every department, from track maintenance to engine repair.

Despite safety regulations designed to protect workers, many continue to suffer preventable harm due to employer negligence or unsafe work environments.

The law provides avenues for compensation, but workers often need legal assistance to pursue claims successfully.

Multiple parties may be involved when determining liability, especially in cases involving prolonged chemical exposure.

Exposure to substances like diesel exhaust and benzene has been linked by the National Cancer Institute to certain cancers and blood disorders.

Meanwhile, physical injuries from falls, heavy equipment, or train accidents remain common.

In the following sections, we break down the major categories of risk railroad workers face and how these dangers develop under different circumstances.

Physical Injury Risks for Railroad Workers

Railroad work involves heavy machinery, unpredictable conditions, and constant physical demands, making it one of the most injury-prone occupations in the U.S.

Workers are often required to perform manual tasks near moving trains, at heights, or in extreme weather: conditions that dramatically increase the risk of trauma.

Even with safety protocols in place, many railroad employees are hurt every year due to defective equipment, inadequate training, or employer negligence.

The following are some of the most common and serious physical injury risks faced by railroad workers on the job:

• Falls from locomotives, platforms, ladders, or railcars
• Crush injuries from coupling or decoupling train cars
• Being struck by moving trains, railcars, or heavy equipment
• Caught-between injuries involving machinery or narrow workspaces
• Back injuries from lifting or repetitive strain
• Head injuries from falling objects or slips and falls
• Electrocution or burns from exposed wires and electrical equipment
• Limb injuries from defective tools or mechanical malfunctions
• Amputations resulting from machinery accidents
• Fractures and broken bones from collisions or derailments
• Hearing loss due to long-term exposure to high-decibel environments
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from falls or impact accidents
• Repetitive stress injuries from vibration, tool use, or awkward posture
• Lacerations and puncture wounds from tools, debris, or equipment
• Exposure-related injuries from overheating, dehydration, or cold stress
• Vehicle accidents in rail yards or during maintenance transport
• Slip-and-fall injuries due to oil, fuel, or water spills
• Ladder-related accidents due to improper setup or poor maintenance
• Collapses or structural failures during construction or repair work
• Injuries from inadequate lighting or poor visibility in work zones

Each of these risks may be grounds for a FELA claim if caused or worsened by unsafe working conditions, inadequate supervision, or a railroad company’s failure to follow safety laws.

Chemical Exposure Risks (and Resulting Medical Conditions) for Railroad Workers

In addition to the risk of traumatic injury, many railroad workers face daily exposure to toxic chemicals that can lead to severe, long-term health problems.

These exposures often occur gradually over months or years, making it difficult for workers to recognize the danger until a serious medical condition develops.

Many of the substances used in rail operations have been linked to cancer, blood disorders, respiratory damage, and other chronic illnesses.

Below is a comprehensive list of chemical exposure risks common in the railroad industry, along with the associated health outcomes seen in workers across job roles:

• Benzene – found in diesel fuel, degreasers, and solvents; linked to blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and aplastic anemia
• Asbestos – used historically in insulation and brake pads; known to cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis
• Diesel exhaust – inhaled during engine operation and refueling; associated with lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and cardiovascular disease
• Welding fumes – exposure to metal particulates like manganese and chromium; can cause lung damage, neurological disorders, and increase risk of respiratory cancers
• Creosote – used in treating wooden railroad ties; linked to skin irritation, chemical burns, and increased risk of skin and scrotal cancers
• Silica dust – from ballast cutting or grinding work; can lead to silicosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Solvents and degreasers – many of which contained benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs); associated with bone marrow suppression, immune dysfunction, and various leukemias
• Herbicides and pesticides – used in vegetation control along tracks; potential links to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Parkinson’s disease
• Lead-based paint and coatings – found on older railcars and bridges; linked to neurological damage, kidney disease, and reproductive harm
• Industrial lubricants and oils – repeated skin contact may cause dermatitis, and some formulations are suspected carcinogens
• Cleaning agents and degreasers – often used in confined spaces, increasing risk of toxic inhalation and central nervous system effects
• Petroleum products and fuels – frequent exposure increases risk of skin cancer, respiratory damage, and chemical burns
• Vinyl chloride and similar compounds – used in plastics or sealants; associated with liver cancer and nerve disorders

These chemical exposures can be invisible but deadly, especially when railroad employers fail to provide adequate ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE), or hazard warnings.

Workers who develop serious illnesses due to long-term toxic exposure may have legal grounds for compensation under FELA.

Any railroad worker who suffers an injury or develops an illness due to unsafe working conditions can file a claim under the Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA).

You do not need to rely on your union representative or railroad claim agent to decide whether you have a valid case.

Your best option is to speak directly with an experienced attorney.

A skilled legal team can evaluate your situation, gather evidence, and help you understand your rights.

For example, a conductor injured in a fall caused by poor lighting, or a machinist diagnosed with leukemia after years of solvent exposure, may both qualify to file a railroad injury claim.

FELA applies to all railroad employees, including those working in maintenance, operations, shops, or field support.

Family members may also be eligible to file if a worker dies from a job-related condition. Injured workers must act quickly, as there are strict deadlines for filing claims.

Contacting a lawyer gives you access to the legal support needed to hold the railroad accountable and pursue fair compensation.

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury or developed a health condition after working in the railroad industry, contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers to discuss your legal options.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a railroad injury claim instantly.

Gathering Evidence for Railroad Injuries and Chemical Exposure

Strong evidence is the foundation of any successful railroad injury or exposure claim, especially in certain states where proving employer negligence under FELA can be more complex.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers works closely with clients to gather, retain, organize, and present critical documentation that supports the full extent of your injury or illness.

Our legal team helps identify key witnesses, obtain detailed medical records, and collect supporting information such as job duties, exposures, and even old telephone numbers to track down former coworkers.

Evidence that may support your case includes:

• Employment records showing job roles and locations
• Medical records documenting diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis
• Incident or injury reports filed with the railroad
• Testimony or statements from witnesses and coworkers
• Telephone numbers and contact info for relevant parties
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and product usage logs
• Photos of work conditions or defective equipment
• Records of previous complaints or known hazards at the worksite
• Expert reports linking exposure to your condition
• Union documentation or grievance records related to safety issues

Damages in Railroad Injury and Chemical Exposure Cases

Railroad workers who suffer serious injuries or illnesses due to employer negligence may be entitled to significant financial compensation under FELA.

These damages are meant to address both the immediate and long-term impact of a worker’s condition, including physical, emotional, and financial losses.

Gianaris Trial Lawyers helps clients identify and calculate all applicable damages, working with medical and economic experts to build a case that reflects the full scope of harm.

Whether you’re dealing with lost income, chronic pain, or ongoing medical expenses, our team will fight to recover the compensation you deserve.

Damages that may be recovered include:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
• Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members)
• Out-of-pocket costs related to travel, treatment, or home care
• Loss of household services or spousal support

Railroad workers face some of the harshest working conditions in any industry, often without the protections they deserve.

Whether you’re suffering from a serious injury or a life-altering illness caused by chemical exposure, you have the right to hold your railroad employer accountable under FELA.

At Gianaris Trial Lawyers, we focus on complex railroad cases and represent workers with the care, precision, and tenacity these cases demand.

Our team builds strong, evidence-backed claims designed to recover the compensation you need to move forward.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a railroad injury or toxic exposure, contact Gianaris Trial Lawyers today for a free consultation.

We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the next step toward justice.