OSHA Fines Superior Shipyard in Incident That Claimed A Man’s Life

The federal workers’ safety agency has fined a northern Wisconsin shipyard in an incident that led to one man’s death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration within the U.S. Department of Labor cited Fraser Shipyards because the man wasn’t wearing proper protective gear.

OSHA issued the $12,548 citation against Fraser Shipyards on March 30 after employee Joe Burch was severely burned on the job this February. OSHA Spokesman Scott Allen said they fined Fraser because the shipyard didn’t make sure he was wearing fire retardant gear.

“The individual was using a torch and the clothing he had on caught fire. Without the personal protective equipment on, he injured himself with burns,” Allen said. “He spent a good time in the hospital before succumbing to his injuries.”

Burch was a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 117. Union Steward Al Janowicz said their sympathies go out to Burch’s family.

The federal workers’ safety agency has fined a northern Wisconsin shipyard in an incident that led to one man’s death. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration within the U.S. Department of Labor cited Fraser Shipyards because the man wasn’t wearing proper protective gear.

OSHA issued the $12,548 citation against Fraser Shipyards on March 30 after employee Joe Burch was severely burned on the job this February. OSHA Spokesman Scott Allen said they fined Fraser because the shipyard didn’t make sure he was wearing fire retardant gear.

“The individual was using a torch and the clothing he had on caught fire. Without the personal protective equipment on, he injured himself with burns,” Allen said. “He spent a good time in the hospital before succumbing to his injuries.”