Wal-Mart Employees Settle with Contractor Blamed for Workplace Fumes

LONDON, Ky. - Employees at a Wal-Mart distribution center have settled clams against a contractor they said exposed them to unsafe levels of carbon monoxide while using welding and cutting torches and other equipment while installing new storage racks in freezer units. Asher, et al. v. Unarco Material Handling Inc., et al., No. 06-cv-00548 (E.D. Ky.).

Judge Amul R. Tharpar of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, who had halted trial while the parties negotiated, followed up a Jan. 6 hearing by entering an "Agreed Order of Partial Dismissal With Prejudice" on Jan. 20.

The dismissal …