Fraser Shipyards in Superior, WI, has settled with over 60 workers who were exposed to dangerous levels of lead at work. There were four lawsuits brought against the shipyard for blood lead poisoning to workers retrofitting the engine room of the Herbert C. Jackson, a 59-year-old ship. The case would have gone to a jury trial in December but the company reached a $7.5 million settlement with the workers.

In 2017, Wisconsin and Minnesota health officials released a report showing that out of 233 workers, 171 had tested positive for blood lead poisoning. OSHA levied a $1.4 million fine again the shipyard for 14 safety violations, and they ultimately paid $700,000 but did not admit fault or liability.

James Farkas, president of Fraser Industries, released a statement saying that the company takes the health and safety of their workers seriously.

“This agreement, and earlier settlement agreements with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reached with input from unions representing our workers, ensures that we can move forward with a strong commitment to employee protection and business viability, in partnership with OSHA and everyone who earns a living at our 126-year-old family-owned company in Superior,” said Farkas.

The company reached a settlement earlier this year with a worker whose blood tests showed lead levels seven times the unsafe limit.

Lawyers say OSHA needs to update their lead standards as they are outdated and don’t take into account new findings on the dangers of lead.

OSHA said they meet with the company every six months and they have enacted a safety program that includes protective gear and breathing equipment.

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