Cuts, burns, falling objects, slip-and-fall accidents and more all risks to people in many industries, and auto mechanics are no exception whether they work here in Ohio or elsewhere. Another risk they face is exposure to toxic chemicals and materials. Workers may forget about or not realize they can still be exposed to asbestos.
Older vehicles could still have internal clutch parts, brakes and brake pads containing this toxic material. Another often-seen source is from aftermarket products, especially if made overseas where the use of asbestos is not as regulated as it is here in the United States. People who frequent salvage yards may end up finding products for their vehicles that still contain it as well.
During ordinary use, the friction created by brakes and clutches causes a fine dust that could be breathed in by auto mechanics. Brake pads and clutch parts that are fresh out of the box will most likely not be an issue since they are in pristine condition. However, once a vehicle drives out of the garage, the asbestos becomes an issue. Anytime mechanics are exposed to parts containing this toxic substance, they could inhale it. If it gets on their clothes or exposed body parts, they could end up ingesting it, or they could take it home to their families.
Ohio residents working in this industry usually expect to get dirty, but they may not expect to be exposed to such a toxic material. Even if they are, it could take years before they know whether they will suffer from an asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma. By that time, some people may not think they can receive benefits and/or compensation, but that may not be the case. This is a complex area of law, and working with an experienced attorney could result in receiving the financial assistance needed.
