Rep. Castor Statement on Reports of Disturbing Conditions at Gopher Resource

Statement

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) released the below statement following the Tampa Bay Times' reporting on derelict conditions for workers at Gopher Resource:

"Workers and their families in Tampa appear to have been sacrificed for the corporate profits of the Gopher lead smelting plant. Lead poisoning and excessive lead exposure are very dangerous and cause severe health consequences. The Tampa Bay Times' story of unsafe working conditions and neurotoxin poisoning is disturbing and requires answers and accountability. Based upon the Times' in-depth investigation, it appears that regulators charged with ensuring that factories are safe for workers also failed dismally.
"The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 has not been meaningfully updated since its original passage over 50 years ago, and the health conditions of Gopher Resource workers described in the Times underscore the urgency of updating a 1970s law for the 21st century workplace. I am working on doing just that, but the apparent failure to inspect and enforce current safeguards demands immediate answers.

"I applaud the Tampa Bay Times' investigative reporting and the workers who came forward. I will work diligently in Congress and with partners to aid our neighbors who are suffering and do all in my power to bring accountability to those who are responsible."

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