A former conductor for Union Pacific Railroad filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) suit against the railroad claiming that from 1969 through 2004, he was required to work with and around diesel fumes and other chemicals causing serious and permanent injuries.
Rodney Bolle of Dupo claims Union Pacific failed to provide him with reasonably safe conditions, safe appliances, adequate help and failed to warn him of the true nature of the hazards of diesel fumes, in a suit filed May 8 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
Bolle also claims that the railroad failed to inspect its equipment to determine levels of diesel fumes, failed to train ways to avoid exposure to fumes, failed to have a properly working air conditioner or heating units and allowed unsafe practices to become standard practice.
According to Bolle, he was exposed to diesel fumes which caused him to suffer severe, serious, painful and permanent injuries to his body and respiratory system which will cause him in the future to be afraid of potential complications resulting from the exposure.
He also claims he has lost wages, became liable for medical expenses and has lost the ability to work, labor, and enjoy the normal pursuits of life.
Represented by Mark DuPont of Belleville, Bolle is seeking damages in excess of $100,000, plus costs of the suit.
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Union Pacific worker claims diesel fumes sickened him
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