Worker hospitalization prompts another osha investigation into fraser shipyards

The federal workers’ safety agency has opened another investigation into a northern Wisconsin shipyard. Occupational Safety and Health Administration spokesman Scott Allen said the agency

opened the latest investigation into Fraser Shipyards in Superior after a worker was injured on the job last month. “The company reported that an employee was burned to the point that he had

to be hospitalized while they were working on a cargo hold in the Duluth harbor,” Allen said. STAY CONNECTED TO WISCONSIN NEWS — YOUR WAY Get trustworthy reporting and unique local stories

from WPR delivered directly to your inbox. He said the investigation may be completed within the next few months. “But, it just depends on the complications of the interview. We have to

interview the victim, of course, as well as any potential witnesses,” Allen said. “Of course, we will talk with the Fraser Shipyards management, and try to determine whether they were

following all OSHA standards and regulations to protect their workers.” A Fraser Shipyards spokesman issued a statement from the shipyard’s president that said the company is working with

the federal agency and a local union. “We’re now working together with OSHA and the Boilermakers to understand fully how this happened and to prevent any future incidents from happening,”

said James Farkas, President and Chief Operating Officer of Fraser Industries, which oversees Fraser Shipyards. “Our thoughts and prayers are with our team member and his family.” Fraser

agreed to pay OSHA a $700,000 fine earlier this year after a majority of workers were exposed to unsafe lead levels last year while working on the Great Lakes freighter Herbert C. Jackson.

The shipyard agreed to make safety improvements as part of the settlement. _Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2025, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin

Educational Communications Board._