Report from the OH&S Canada magazine (Winter 2024)
Manitoba has fined an employer just over $7,000 after a worker sustained “significant” injuries in an explosion
On June 23, 2020, a worker employed by Prairieview Custom Basements Inc. was working in an excavated area at a residential property, applying Rub-R-Wall foundation coating to a foundation that had been recently torch-treated to remove moisture.
After spraying the coating for several minutes, the vapour ignited and caused an explosion, injuring the worker.
Workplace Safety and Health officials investigated and laid charges under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
Prairieview Custom Basements Inc. pleaded guilty to section 4(1)(a) of the act for failing to ensure, so far as practicable, the safety, health and/or welfare of workers at work.
Specifically, the employer had not ensured the work area had been adequately ventilated during the application of the Rub-R-Wall foundation coating so as to prevent fire or explosions. A fine and court cost fee of $7,070 was imposed upon Prairieview Custom Basements Inc. by the court.
In the wake of the ruling, the province is calling on employers to “confirm they have appropriate ventilation in place to ensure worker safety.”
My opinion
Can the reader see what I see? A worker gets significant injuries due to an explosion and the fine is a paltry $7,000. Wow! That has to be the lowest fine for an explosion-related accident anywhere in Canada ever!
Not much of a deterrent. I guess the court did not want to hurt Prairieview’s feeling!
What a crock of crap! I would wager they sent the injured worker their thoughts and prayers. I would venture a guess that it will happen again!
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs.
Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.