Worker struck by debris at cement manufacturing facility
British Columbia employer Lafarge Canada Inc. has been fined $674,445.93 after one of its workers sustained fatal injuries in the workplace.
The incident happened at the firm's cement manufacturing facility.
When a large fan at the site failed, debris broke through the fan housing and struck a nearby worker, according to WorkSafeBC. The worker sustained fatal injuries.
WorkSafeBC's investigation determined that the fan's impeller had been repaired and refurbished about five months prior to the incident.
“The firm failed to ensure the installation, inspection, testing, and repair of its equipment was done as specified by the manufacturer or a professional engineer. The firm also failed to ensure that, if equipment was dismantled and subsequently re-assembled, it was checked by a qualified person and determined to be safe before operation,” said WorkSafeBC.
“In addition, the firm failed to ensure the health and safety of all workers at its workplace, and failed to provide workers with the information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to ensure their health and safety. These were all high-risk violations.”
