An investigation into an industrial explosion at an oil and gas facility has led to significant fines being laid by WorkSafe BC. A contractor who handles oilfield waste, has been ordered to pay just over $42,000 for safety violations.
Two welders, working directly above a fluid tank, were injured after an explosion inside a shaker building. According to WorkSafe BC, the company failed to conduct testing to ensure it was safe to weld near explosive or flammable substances. “The firm failed to ensure the health and safety of all workers at the worksite, and failed to analyze the risks of the work activities and implement safe work procedures regarding hot work,” read the report.
The host employer was also fined for the explosion. The company was ordered to pay just over $6,000 for high-risk violations while contracted at the facility.
WorkSafe says a hot work hazard assessment didn’t outline control measures, and the company failed to provide workers with the proper training and supervision for their health and safety.