Key Issues
What are reasons for that workers were exposed to high levels of lead?
Malfunctioning ventilation equipment, delayed repairs, unproper safety equipment
who was the reporter in the investigations team at Tampa Bay Times?
Rebecca Woolington
Became disoriented and fainted while working in a dusty area of the plant. medical staff later told him he needs to limit his exposure to lead
Larry Wheeler
during the early phases of construction, county officials found Gopher for failing to take precautions to control dust, releasing too much lead into the air, and submitting inaccurate records.
2008
was there any jailtime?
No
What caused the nearby environmental damage?
The release of high amounts of lead into the air and expelling contaminated waste water into nearby waterways
who was a former staff writer who won national journalism honors and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize
Corey G. Johnson
Nausea came over him and he felt like he needed to vomit. he later passed out due to expusure of sulfur dioxide. He was sent home with an inhaler to help with shortness of breath.
Jacob Clemente
When did OSHA close their case?
March 4, 2015
was the gopher factory charged for future environmental/factory tests?
Yes
What were some regulatory violations?
The company was charged with multiple environmental violations including improper handling of hazardous waste and exceeding emission limits
Who was a graphics editor for the New York Times where he used code to create graphics and crunch numbers on investigations
Eli Murray
An explosion splattered molten lead onto him burning his left leg and eye. later hot liquid lead slipped into his boot and scorched his foot.
Prospere Dumeus
In what year did gopher send hazardous slag to Cedar Trail Landfill?
2018
were there federal workplace fines
yes ($319,000)
Blacked out on his way from the locker room to start his maintenance shift. he was taken to the hospital by paramedics.
James Pitts
In what year did workers receive a bonus depending on their blood lead level?
2012
were there federal and state fees?
Yes ($514,000)
grew dizzy and nauseous. His vision blurred, causing him to see double. These symptoms caused him to black out.
Teddy Ebanks
In what year did the Gopher factory agree to repair its systems and change their practices
2016
how many workers and how many children were on behalf of the lawsuit
22 workers
12 children