Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine (July 2021)
BLS Ashphalt in Regina was fined $350,000 in Weyburn Provincial Court on June 22, 2021 after being found guilty of two counts under OH&S regulations.
Charges stem from a workplace fatality that occurred near Ceylon, Saskatchewan on November 2017. A worker became entangled in a conveyor while clearing the chute of the conveyor systems.
My opinion
In Ontario, the mining and mining plants regulation 854/90 applies. Section 196, subsection 2 and 3 which state,
(2) “A conveyor shall have,
(a) a means to safely apply belt dressing while the conveyor is in motion; and
(b) if the conveyor is started automatically, by remote control or if a portion or portions of the conveyor are not visible from the operator’s position, a start-up warning device.
(3) Subsections (3.1) and (3.2) apply to the following pinch points on a conveyor:
- The head, tail, drive, deflection and tension pulleys.
- If the lift of the belt is restricted, the return rollers and the carry rollers.
(3.1) Subject to subsection (3.2), the pinch points referred to in subsection (3) shall be guarded by a guard that, unless it would render the pinch point inaccessible, extends at least 0.9 metres from the pinch point.
(3.2) If it is impracticable to comply with subsection (3.1),
(a) a fence shall be in place that prevents access to the pinch points;
(b) a barricade shall be in place that prevents access to the pinch points; or
(c) a gate equipped with an interlocking device, which has a manual reset switch, shall be in place that prevents access to the pinch points while the conveyor is operating.”
As the reader can see, conveyor guarding is very important in the mining industry and needs to have a safety priority on it to ensure maximum safety.
I guess BLS Ashphalt did not receive the memo.
I, also, have to state, that I thought was an appropriate fine in light of the death of a worker. All workers MUST be allowed to work in a safe environment.
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.