Robert John Gulden v. Crown Zellerbach Corporation, a Nevada Corporation, Gregory Steele v. Crown Zellerbach Corporation, a Nevada Corporation

JAMES R. BROWNING, Circuit Judge:

A transformer failure released a toxic level of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) onto the floor of Crown Zellerbach’s mill in West Linn, Oregon. After three attempts by hazardous waste specialists failed to reduce the PCB level to nontoxic levels, Crown Zellerbaeh ordered employees Robert Gulden and Gregory Steele to finish the cleanup by scrubbing the floor while on their hands and knees without protective clothing. Both workers acquired body levels of PCBs beyond that considered safe. They filed separate diversity-based suits in federal district court. The…