BNSF Railroad Workers Allege Respiratory Problems from Myriad Toxic Exposures

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — Four former employees have sued BNSF Railway Co., alleging that exposures to asbestos, diesel, secondhand tobacco smoke, welding fumes, silica and other toxins has left them with permanent lung injuries.

Plaintiffs Wavie C. Cole, Francisco Ruiz, Carl Canada and Cleophas Eckford are each seeking damages from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (NYSE: BNI) subsidiary for failing to provide a safe workplace and other alleged violations of the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.

The 13-page complaint was filed Nov. 16 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.

Plaintiff Cole alleges that while employed …