Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’
Goldcorp Canada Ltd. pleaded guilty and has been fined $55,000 after a worker was injured while removing a tire from a mining scoop tram.
The incident occurred at the mining company’s Balmer Complex #3 Shaft 4200 Level underground maintenance garage, near Balmertown, Ontario.
On January 14, 2015, a Goldcorp worker employed as an underground mechanic was in the process of replacing a rear oscillating axle on a scoop tram. While removing the right rear core filled tire, the tire fell on the worker. Three other workers in the garage area responded and the 878-pound tire, with a 4-1/2-foot diameter, was lifted off the injured worker. The worker was transported to hospital for treatment.
The subsequent Ministry of Labor investigation revealed that Goldcorp did not have a written procedure for the work being performed on the tires and wheel assembly as required by Ontario’s Mining and Mining Plants Regulation. Specifically, there was no written procedure regarding the hazards associated with working with this particular task.
Goldcorp pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that it establish written procedures for the work performed on the tires and wheel assembly, contrary to the regulation.
The fine was imposed on October 26, 2016 in provincial court in Red Lake by Justice of the Peace Edith Baas.
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 was found guilty of a contravention of the Ontario Mining Regulation 854/90 Section 107.1(1) which states,
“An employer shall establish written procedures for work performed on tire and wheel assemblies.”
Goldcorp was also found guilty of a contravention of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 25(1)(c) which states,
“An employer shall ensure that,
(c) the measures and procedures prescribed are carried out in the workplace.”
I wonder if Goldcorp was ever given instruction and training in “Due Diligence”? The need to have written work instructions for ever aspect of the work being performed on any worksite is a given. The hazards need to be recognized and the supervision needs to be competent to properly supervise the work.
“competent person” means a person who,
(a) is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to organize the work and its performance,
(b) is familiar with this Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and
(c) has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the 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.