Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine
The individual responsible for rupturing a gas line that resulted in the deaths of two nearby workers was issued a $28,000 fine on August 01, 2012.
On April 18, 2008, trucking firm owner Jack Boxall and his son Brent were killed and six were injured after Larry Reimer snagged a gas line riser with his backhoe, causing a gas leakage that lead to an explosion.
On May 16, 2012, Reimer was found guilty of two counts under the province’s occupational health and safety legislation: failure to ensure mechanical excavation does not take place within 600 mm of an existing pipeline, and failure to ensure that his actions do not expose workers to risks to their health and safety.
A statement from the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety in Regina notes that since the incident, its OH&S division has been reviewing regulations related to the guarding of above-ground gas risers.
My opinion
$28,000??? Was that all? Where is the incentive to ensure that others not make the same mistake? Two deaths and 6 injuries for $28,000. What a bargain!
Everyone knows that most of the work out there is very high paying and $28,000 is not much to workers out there. Mind you, Larry Reimer has to live with the fact that 2 people are dead and others injured because he missed a crucial step in the procedure and caused the explosion.
Please ensure that any excavations conducted are following the ‘Best Practices’ and ‘Best Safety Procedures’ and any potential hazards are discussed and reviewed at a tailgate meeting prior to the work beginning.
If you are an employer try to gain a reputation as a safe employer and the workforce will be very appreciative!
Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.