Pacific Coast Steel / Oregon Steel Mills — Portland, Oregon

Plaintiffs alleged in publicly filed U.S. asbestos personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation that workers at steel manufacturing and processing facilities in Portland, Oregon — including operations associated with Pacific Coast Steel and Oregon Steel Mills — sustained occupational asbestos exposure during steelmaking and metals processing operations.

Facility Background

Oregon Steel Mills (now Evraz Oregon Steel Mills), headquartered in Portland, operated electric arc furnace steelmaking and plate rolling operations in Portland’s industrial district. The company produced plate steel, pipe, and structural products. Various steel processing, warehousing, and fabrication operations also operated in the Portland industrial corridor along the Willamette River.

Plaintiffs alleged that steelmaking and metals processing operations in Portland, consistent with the broader steel industry, involved asbestos-containing insulation on furnaces, ladles, steam systems, and maintenance equipment throughout the facilities.

Alleged Asbestos Pathways

Plaintiffs alleged in litigation that asbestos exposure occurred through multiple pathways:

  • Electric arc furnace operations: Plaintiffs alleged that steelmaking furnace operations used asbestos-containing refractory materials and insulation in furnace roofs, door frames, and associated equipment.
  • Ladle and tundish operations: Plaintiffs alleged that asbestos-containing refractory products were used in steel ladles and continuous casting tundishes, exposing workers in casting areas.
  • Steam and utility systems in mill buildings: Plaintiffs alleged that maintenance workers encountered asbestos insulation on steam, hydraulic, and process piping systems throughout mill buildings.
  • Maintenance and repair work: Plaintiffs alleged that millwrights, pipefitters, electricians, and maintenance mechanics performing equipment and building maintenance encountered asbestos-containing materials throughout the facilities.

Oregon has a two-year statute of limitations under ORS § 30.907, running from the date of mesothelioma diagnosis. Wrongful death claims also carry a three-year limit under ORS § 30.020.

Workers who were employed at Portland-area steel manufacturing facilities and who have since been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related disease may have legal remedies available. Contact O’Brien Law Firm at (314) 237-3332 to discuss your work history and legal options at no cost.