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Richmond Shipyards

The historic Richmond Shipyards are located in picturesque Richmond, California. These shipyards produced almost 500 vessels during World War II, more than any other shipyard during that time. Even today, no shipyard has been able to surpass this impressive task. As a true testament to the skill and efficiency of the workers at Richmond Shipyards, this shipyard produced nearly 30 percent of the construction for the United States Maritime Commission. By employing an assembly-line style of production, Henry J. Kaiser and his employees were able to produce more high-quality ships in less time and for less money than any of their contemporaries of the time.

Kaiser had participated in building cargo vessels for the United States during the 1930s. But, when the British government requested more ships for the war against Nazi Germany, Kaiser was able to expand his business and he opened the first Richmond Shipyard in 1940. The impressive efficiency of the Richmond Shipyard employees lead to an astonishing feat: completing the Liberty Ship Robert E. Perry, in less than a week. Although Richmond Shipyards deserve credit for employing a technique that was able to put women and minorities in the workforce at a time when the nation needed them, they also deserve credit for the deteriorating health of many of the workers.

Like many other shipyards of the time, Richmond Shipyards used asbestos in the construction of their Navy ships, which led to thousands of workers being exposed to asbestos. Welders, electricians, and fitters were most prone to asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos can cause a host of health problems when inhaled, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a form of cancer). The Richmond Shipyards used asbestos-contaminated insulation (which also covered pipes), and many other asbestos products. Due to their assembly line technique, many of the prepared pipes and products had to be cut again on-site, which led to an increased amount of asbestos particles flooding the air. Without proper ventilation, which wasn't a requirement at the time, many workers suffered the affects of asbestos exposure, including the development of mesothelioma.

During its glory days, Richmond Shipyards employed around 100,000 people from all over the country, including women and minorities. The number of Richmond Shipyard employees suffering from asbestos exposure and mesothelioma has never been revealed, but a health plan was developed to deal with on-the-job injuries and sickness. Although this was not a government regulation, Kaiser came up with a pre-paid plan in which employees could pay additional costs to cover medical issues that were not work-related.

Today, the Richmond Shipyard Number Three is closed until a safe method for public viewing is developed. Shipyard Number Three is part of the National Park Service's Rosie the Riveter - World War II Home Front National Historic Park, which is located in Richmond. The shipyards are in the conditions in which they were left; asbestos covered insulation, piping, gaskets, and other asbestos products, making asbestos exposure and mesothelioma a possibility even today for anyone close enough to breath in asbestos particles.

For more information on asbestos, mesothelioma, and seeking compensation for asbestos-related disease, please fill out the form on the right to receive a comprehensive packet.

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