Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’
Goldcorp Canada Ltd. has pleaded guilty and has been fined $100,000 after an incident in which a mine worker was injured by a haulage car.
On October 13, 2013, workers were performing tasks at the 800 level of the Campbell Complex Mine near Balmertown in the Red Lake District.
The tasks included loading haulage cars which were moved using a battery-operated locomotive on tracks; loading was performed using a diesel scoop tram.
During the course of the shift, the haulage cars were returning to the work area where two workers were preparing oversized ore chunks for a blast and a third worker was next to the scoop tram. As the haulage cars were returning and approaching the crew, one of the workers realized the haulage cars were not stopping. This worker attempted to pull the worker standing by the scoop tram away from the area but that worker was hit by the haulage cars and pinned between a haulage car and the scoop tram. As a result of the incident, the worker suffered cuts and a broken bone.
Goldcorp Canada Ltd. failed as an employer to take all precautions reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker, specifically, the company failed to take the reasonable precaution of ensuring that the operator of the vehicle had a clear view of the path of travel.
The company pleaded guilty and was fined $100,000.
The fine was imposed in provincial court by Justice of the Peace Daisy Hoppe on July 22, 2015.
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:
Goldcorp Canada Ltd. was found guilty of a contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), section 25(2)(h) which states,
“The employer shall,
take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.”
I wonder if the employer had a set of written instructions for this particular operation? If so, did they have a tailgate or toolbox meeting prior? If so, was the supervisor involved? If so, was the hazards identified and assessed and controlled as part of a safety action plan?
So many questions and it sounds like there were not many answers made available to the workers.
Safety is not just a word but a frame of mind. As well, safety does not have to be a costly part of the business. HRS Group Inc. stands ready to aid your company in any and all compliance issues and can lead your company towards developing a safety culture that will excite your workplace.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
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 ‘Due Diligence’, ‘Mining Safety Awareness’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.