WCCO investigation leads to workplace safety legislation

MINNEAPOLIS — Over the past five years, WCCO has exposed ongoing pollution Problems with Water Gremlinfrom the release of a carcinogenic chemical to violations of hazardous waste regulations and lead migration. The White Bear Township plant has now new owners and new namebut his past will mean a better future for workers across Minnesota.

In the End of session Frenzy, a bill has been passed that addresses worker safety.

“Because I was in the thick of it,” said Steven Wurtz when asked why it was important to him. “You know, I experienced it myself. I saw what was happening in the company.”

Wurtz initially brought his worries last year at WCCO, where he questioned the permissible lead exposure for people who work with it. At the time, he worked for Water Gremlin, a manufacturing plant that makes lead battery terminals. He was so determined to make a change that he testified before the Senate Labor Committee.

“You know, I was very excited when I spoke to the Senate. They were very receptive,” Wurtz said.

DFL Senator Heather Gustafson was one of those sympathetic people, taking up the issue after following WCCO’s investigation into Water Gremlin’s pollution problems.

“We discovered that lead exposure to workers was also a problem. We hadn’t really looked into that yet,” Gustafson said.

She introduced the bill, which now requires state authorities dealing with the safety and health of workers to deal with new rules.

“The idea is that authorities decide what level of lead is acceptable in workers’ blood so that they are as safe as possible during their working hours and before they return to work,” Gustafson said.

This includes funding to allow the Department of Labor and Industry and the state Department of Health to update the rule. A total of $174,000 is available for technical assistance through 2026. The new rules will impact businesses across the state in areas such as construction, manufacturing, transportation and remediation.

“It cost a little bit of money and this is not a budget year. That tells me that this is a priority for our caucus and our politicians, and that’s great,” Gustafson said.

The last lead standard was set by the federal agency OSHA more than four decades ago. Gustafson calls it outdated.

“We know a lot more about lead now. And we’re just now learning the effects of it and how serious they are. So the work has to go on,” Gustafson said. “Minnesota should have companies that provide a safe environment for their workers, and especially if there’s anything that’s exposing their families to the dangers that they might see in our workplace, I can’t stand by and do nothing.”

Wurtz says it’s been a tough road, but he’s proud that this new law will protect more people.

“Absolutely,” Wurtz said when asked if it was worth speaking out. “I see results, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. That gives me great hope for the next step.”

Next, the health and labor ministries will review existing standards and agree on rule changes. This process will likely include a public hearing and could take two years.