⚙️ Burns & Roe Group – Asbestos Exposure from Power Plant and Industrial Site Designs

Burns & Roe Group, a prominent engineering and construction firm, was deeply involved in the design and development of power plants, refineries, and industrial facilities from the 1930s through the late 20th century. Many of these facilities were built using asbestos insulation, fireproofing materials, and thermal protection, which exposed a wide range of workers—including engineers, contractors, pipefitters, and maintenance crews—to harmful asbestos fibers.

🏢 Company Overview

• Founded: 1932

• Founder: J. Robert Burns

• Headquarters: Oradell, New Jersey

• Industry: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)

• Specialization: Power plants, energy infrastructure, and heavy industrial projects

• Current Status: No longer independently operating; assets acquired and merged into other firms

• Asbestos Trust Fund: ❌ None established

🧱 How Burns & Roe Used Asbestos

Burns & Roe did not manufacture asbestos products but incorporated them into their designs and construction specifications for:

• ⚡ Power generation stations

• 🛢️ Oil refineries and chemical plants

• 🏭 Steel mills and heavy industrial complexes

• 🛳️ Naval shipyard utility buildings

These projects required high-temperature systems that relied on asbestos insulation around:

• Boilers

• Steam pipes

• Turbines

• Electrical conduits

• Structural fireproofing systems

Because Burns & Roe planned and oversaw these installations, many of their subcontractors and on-site personnel faced direct exposure during construction and ongoing maintenance.

👷 Who Was Exposed?

The nature of the projects meant high exposure risk for:

• 🧰 Construction workers and pipefitters

• 👷 On-site mechanical engineers and safety inspectors

• 🔧 Maintenance personnel working on legacy systems

• 🏗️ Demolition and remodeling teams

• 🪖 Military contractors and civilian support crews on defense infrastructure

Even decades after initial construction, workers performing renovations or system upgrades were still exposed to deteriorating asbestos materials specified in Burns & Roe designs.

⚖️ Legal Claims & Asbestos Lawsuits

Burns & Roe was named in thousands of asbestos-related lawsuits due to:

• 🔍 Their direct role in specifying asbestos-containing products in facility designs

• 💬 Failure to warn contractors and workers about asbestos hazards

• 🧾 Project documents explicitly detailing asbestos use for thermal protection

Notable Legal Actions:

• In 2005, Burns & Roe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in response to overwhelming asbestos litigation.

• A Burns & Roe Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was created in 2009 to process and pay claims.

📦 Burns & Roe Asbestos Trust Fund

• Established: 2009

• Initial Funding: ~$395 million

• Website: Burns & Roe Asbestos Trust

• Eligibility: Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis due to exposure at a Burns & Roe project site

• Claim Types Accepted:

  • Scheduled value claims

  • Individual review claims

  • Extraordinary claims

📊 Exposure Estimates

👷 Burns & Roe Employees Exposed

➡️ Total Estimated Internal Exposure: ~1,700+

🌍 External Exposure at Burns & Roe Job Sites

➡️ Total Non-Employee Exposure: ~44,000+

🪖 Military and Government Involvement

Burns & Roe designed naval base utilities, shipyard power systems, and Department of Energy facilities. Their projects exposed:

• 🪖 Active duty service members

• 🛠️ Civilian government contractors

• 🔩 Shipyard workers and technicians

Asbestos insulation in these installations remained intact for decades, causing long-term exposure during repair and maintenance.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

⚖️ Can I file a claim against Burns & Roe?

✅ Yes. The Burns & Roe Asbestos Trust is still accepting claims from those who:

• Worked on or around Burns & Roe-designed facilities

• Were exposed to asbestos due to company specifications

• Have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or related illness

🕒 How long do I have to file?

Claimants should file within 3 years of diagnosis, or within 2 years of death for wrongful death claims, depending on the jurisdiction.

📋 What documentation is needed?

• Proof of diagnosis from a qualified physician

• Work history linking claimant to a Burns & Roe site

• Project records or affidavits supporting asbestos exposure

📌 Summary – Burns & Roe Group