Jobs in construction, industry, and maintenance continue to find asbestos in older structures and machinery, even after its use was prohibited for many years. Occupational asbestos exposure occurs when workers inhale tiny fibers after disturbing objects that contain asbestos. These fibers have the potential to cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
The risk remains present wherever older products are located, despite the implementation of stricter regulations. To ensure the safety of your teams, it is essential to identify which jobs pose the highest danger.
How Asbestos Exposure Happens
Asbestos is most dangerous when it is disturbed and fibers become airborne. Renovations, demolitions, and routine maintenance in older structures are common triggers. Here are the main ways you can be dangerously exposed to asbestos:
- Pipe and boiler insulation in industrial facilities
- Roofing and flooring in older homes and schools
- Automotive parts such as brake linings and clutches
- Old shipbuilding and maritime equipment
Workers in these environments often face exposure without realizing it until protective measures are in place.
Industries with the Highest Risk of Occupational Asbestos Exposure
Some occupations face consistently higher exposure levels because of the materials and job sites they encounter. Below are the primary industries where occupational asbestos exposure remains a serious hazard.
1. Construction and Remodeling
Demolition crews, drywall installers, and remodeling contractors frequently work in buildings built before the 1980s. Cutting into walls or changing insulation might expose asbestos fibers.
Everyone who works on building repairs or demolitions must know how to identify asbestos and follow proper removal procedures to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
2. Shipbuilding and Maritime Work
Asbestos insulation still surrounds pipelines and boilers on older ships and in shipyards. Maintenance and ship repair crew workers are frequently exposed when fixing or disassembling ships.
All shipboard employees are required to wear protective gear and undergo certified asbestos handling training.
3. Automotive and Heavy Equipment
Brake mechanics and heavy equipment technicians encounter asbestos in old brake linings, clutches, and gaskets.
Following safety measures and using approved replacement components lowers the risk of coming into contact with asbestos.
4. Factories and Industrial Plants
Asbestos may still be present in pipes, tanks, and insulation in power stations, refineries, and chemical facilities that were constructed decades ago. Upgrading or fixing equipment puts maintenance workers and experts in great danger.
Ongoing safety checks and training refreshers ensure staff know about any hidden asbestos.
Keeping Employees Safe Through Compliance and Training
Preventing occupational asbestos exposure is not just about protective gear. It requires proper training and strict adherence to federal and state guidelines.
The Value of Certified Training
Courses like ZOTA Professional Training’s asbestos awareness and abatement programs instruct workers how to:
- Identify asbestos-containing materials
- Safely handle or avoid disturbing asbestos
- Follow OSHA and EPA compliance rules
Refresher courses are conducted continuously to ensure employers maintain their safety knowledge and prevent shutdowns or sanctions.
The Role of Employers and Safety Professionals
Employers are legally responsible for providing safe work conditions. That means:
- Conducting asbestos inspections before work begins
- Providing proper PPE and containment systems
- Ensuring all workers have current training certifications
ZOTA Professional Training helps businesses meet these obligations by offering convenient, accredited courses that fit busy schedules.
Ready to Work Safely? Start Your Asbestos Training Today
Understanding which jobs face the highest risk of occupational asbestos exposure is the first step toward prevention. Training and compliance are the keys to keeping crews safe and avoiding costly violations.To ensure your team is fully prepared, contact ZOTA Professional Training today. Our accredited asbestos courses give workers and employers the tools they need to identify hazards, follow regulations, and protect their health and their business. We provide trusted EPA, OSHA, and state-approved training all in one place, making us the go-to provider for safety professionals across Minnesota and beyond.
