Clearwater Seafoods says it has fixed ventilation problems on board its scallop fleet after crew members complained airborne particles were causing health issues, but for now that means crews are working at sea with masks.
"We've fully complied with the Occupational Health and Safety orders and the vessels are now back operating with the automated shucking equipment," said Christine Penney, the vice-president of sustainability and public affairs for Clearwater Seafoods.
"We've made some changes to the ventilation for the machines as per the OHS orders."
Last month, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour issued stop-work orders on three vessels after employees on the factory freeze trawlers complained airborne contaminants from the machinery were making them sick.
Crew members complained of nose bleeds, bloody coughs and headaches.
An official with the Department of Labour told CBC News the saws on the machines generate a fine dust, which mix with water to create "a visible cloud" in the work space.
The company had until Nov. 5 to improve the exhaust system and develop a respiratory protection program for the crew. It has until Nov. 19 to take air quality samples while all the machines are operating.
