Fraser Shipyards Working with OSHA on Burn Investigation

Company reported incident which required worker to be hospitalized

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Fraser Shipyards Inc. said today that it is working with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers after reporting an incident involving an employee being burned, which required hospitalization.

The incident occurred on February 6 during work on a vessel undergoing services and repairs by Fraser during winter layup in the Duluth-Superior Harbor. The worker, who is a member of the Boilermakers union, sustained burns and remains hospitalized in Duluth at this time.

President and Chief Operation Officer of Fraser Industries, James Farkas says, “We’re now working together with OSHA and the Boilermakers to understand fully how this happened and to prevent any future incidents from happening. Our thoughts and payers are with our team member and his family.”

The investigation will involve a review of company policies, interviews with those working during the incident, and an on-site investigation of the facility.

Earlier this year, Fraser reached an agreement with OSHA to settle a case related to employee exposure to lead paint and other sources during the repowering and refurbishment of the Herbert C. Jackson. Fraser paid $700,000 in fines for the case.