‘The firm failed to prepare and implement a confined space entry program’
Barrie Mackay Contracting Ltd., a general contractor based in Cranbrook, B.C., was fined $62,266.62.
The fine stems from an incident in which the company had dug an excavation next to a commercial building to handle a sewer blockage.
Upon inspection, WorkSafeBC found that the excavation was around 3 metres (10 feet) deep, and had collapsed in places due to unsupported sides. It was also determined that a worker had entered the excavation at some point, despite it being established as a confined space.
WorkSafeBC says that “The firm failed to ensure excavation work was done according to the written instructions of a qualified professional, and failed to ensure that, prior to worker entry, the excavation was sloped, benched, or supported as required.
The firm also failed to prepare and implement a confined space entry program, conduct a hazard assessment for the confined space, and conduct pre-entry testing and inspection based on written procedures.”
WorkSafeBC regards all of these as high-risk violations.
The firm has requested for the decision to be reviewed.
In February 2020, WorkSafeBC fined Metro Vancouver $637K for various confined space violations.
