WorkSafeBC has fined Metro Vancouver nearly $170,000 for “high-risk offences” following a near-fatal incident at a work site in New Westminster last year.
Workers complete a valve replacement project in a confined space while working on a water main on March 15, 2024.
While using a pry bar to help the crane lift the gearbox, the gearbox came loose and jumped upwards, which could have been fatal, according to WorkSafeBC.
It said it identified several high-risk violations, including failure to plan and identify hazards before starting operations.
WorkSafeBC also said that a lack of adequate training and supervision were factors in the incident.
“This poor worker was struck by a large piece of machinery that broke loose and landed or flew towards him, and honestly, it was only by luck that he survived. This was a terrible accident,” said Bill Tielman of the Greater Vancouver Regional District Workers’ Union.
“But this is not the first time Metro Vancouver has been fined by WorkSafeBC.”
The Conservative Party of BC is also considering it.
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“When we talk about confined spaces, you need proper training and standard operating procedures and you really need oversight and that’s what’s missing here,” said Kiel Giddens, critic of the BC Conservative Labor Party.
In 2020, Metro Vancouver was hit with a near-record fine from WorkSafeBC for sewer work in 2017 that was deemed dangerous.
According to WorkSafeBC’s penalty summary, Metro Vancouver crews installed a siphon gate inside the drain, which is considered a confined space.
However, it said the crew failed to complete the work properly using WorkSafeBC and performed the work without following safe procedures for entering confined spaces.
Metro Vancouver was fined $637,415.60.
Metro Vancouver said it “has taken comprehensive corrective action to strengthen workplace safety, including increased training, updated procedures and increased supervisor awareness specific to this type of work to ensure workers are informed, trained and protected.”
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