Blog Post #414 – Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. Fined $50,000 after Fire

Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc., a Toronto natural gas distributor, was fined $50,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a fire at a worksite.

On September 30, 2009, workers were installing a new section of natural gas pipe inside the company’s Lisgar Gate Pressure Regulating Station in Mississauga. The workers noticed natural gas leaking from a previously installed section of pipe and the site was evacuated. Shortly afterwards, the natural gas ignited, resulting in a fire. Nobody was injured.

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to take the reasonable precaution of ensuring that acceptable fabrication practices were used.

In July 2011, the contractor on the project, Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited, pleaded guilty to a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and was fined $50,000.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Michael Barnes. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

My opinion

The law(s) in contravention:

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. was found guilty of violating section 25, sub-section 2(h) of the OHSA which states,

“The employer shall take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.”

I must not be able to see other sections being used to delve out the fines. OR, the inspectors were new and used the old stand-by to cover all the issues. I can’t seem to get my head around it but here we are. Another section 25, sub-section 2(h) to deal with another accident in the workplace.

I teach Basic Certification and it looks like we may be training at Stephenson’s Rentals for the same course in February or March 2014. Hopefully, I can convince a few of you to consider taking the 3 day course with us. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Chemical Safety Awareness’, ‘Construction Safety Awareness’ and ‘WHMIS’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at 

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Foundation Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.