Maine Blueberry Grower To Pay $730,000 For Worker’s Injuries

A Machias blueberry grower has been ordered to pay nearly $730,000 to a worker who nearly died of heatstroke during an operation to burn a blueberry field in 2012, according to the law firm that represented the worker. The Grower, Millard A. Whitney & Sons Inc., had assigned Michael Lund, 38, a seasonal farm worker from Machias, to help burn a field on an 85-degree day, according to a statement by Berman & Simmons, which represented Lund. Burning fields spurs future growth. Lund, who had never helped burn a field, was given insulated coveralls and told to walk behind a burning machine. After working into the afternoon, Lund lost consciousness and was rushed to a hospital, where his body temperature was measured at 108 degrees.