Reasons v. Union Pacific Railroad

PUDLOWSKI, Judge.

James W. Reasons [employee] had a long history of allergies, bronchitis and sinus problems. In 1976 he began working for Union Pacific Railroad [employer]. As a boilermaker, employee was continuously exposed to: asbestos, strong odors from diesel engines, cleaning agents, chemicals, spray paint, dust particles, fumes and black smoke created by welding around motor grease and other engine oils. The ventilation in the areas where employee worked was very poor. Employee alleges that under these circumstances he was under the impression that exposure to these products was merely…