OSHA has found that Fraser Shipyards Inc. overexposed its workers to lead and other heavy metals while retrofitting a ship’s engine room.  OSHA took samples from workers and found that 14 workers had lead levels of up to 20 times the exposure limit as well as other heavy metals.

On July 29th of this year OSHA proposed a fine of $1,395,000 in penalties for Fraser Shipyards. OSHA cited 14 willful health violations for each instance of an overexposed worker. OSHA also cited five additional willful violations for failure to assess employee exposure to heavy metals, to have a compliance program, for failure to have a respiratory program for lead, and for failure to provide a lead exposure training.

Fraser Shipyards was also issued 10 serious violations and has been placed on OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program for not addressing these safety issues.

Fraser was contracted by Interlake Steamship Company to retrofit the engine room of the Herbert C. Jackson under a $10 million contract.  OSHA began its investigation in February 2016 after receiving multiple complaints.

OSHA determined that Fraser knew about the presence of lead and asbestos in the ship that was originally built in 1959 when it arrived at their shipyards. The contract required Fraser to meet specific deadlines to get the ship back in service for the summer ore shipping season. This in turn forced Fraser to work quickly and not take into account the risks that their workers would be exposed to.

Lead overexposure can lead to brain damage, gastrointestinal issues, anemia, and kidney disease. During its investigation OSHA found that 14 employees were overexposed to lead.  Fraser later tested more than 120 employees and found that more than 75 percent of them had elevated levels on lead in their blood.

Fraser also failed to inform workers about the presence and location of asbestos as they were cutting into piping and equipment. Asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other cancers.

Fraser workers were also exposed to numerous other heavy metals that could have been prevented had the company provided adequate respiratory protection equipment.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA