NANAIMO — Numerous safety violations were made by a pair of companies in connection to an accident at a Diver Lake construction site, according to a WorkSafeBC investigation.
A worker was pronounced dead at a Shenton Rd. project on Sept. 25, 2024, where a mixed-use building was under construction.
A WorkSafeBC penalty summary stated Muchalat Projects Ltd. was fined nearly $22,000 after a double-door frame fell on the worker.
“WorkSafeBC’s investigation determined that the firm had not provided a site-specific safety orientation prior to beginning work, nor had the worker been adequately supervised. In addition, no documented hazard identification or risk assessment had been conducted on the day of the incident.”
The penalty summary added Muchalat Projects failed to provide proper training to ensure health and safety.
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment was being installed by the Comox Valley-based company at the time of the fatal incident.
In addition, WorkSafeBC issued a separate $2,500 penalty against Nanaimo-based Chris M Mitchell.
WorkSafeBC stated the door frames placed against a wall after delivery had not been secured properly.
“In addition, no documented hazard identification or risk assessment had been conducted on the day of the incident. The firm (Chris M Mitchell) failed to ensure material was placed, stacked, or stored in a stable and secure manner, a high-risk violation,” the Crown corporation’s penalty summary stated.
According to WorkSafeBC, 146 people died from work-related injuries or illnesses in the province in 2024, including 38 people from traumatic workplace injuries.
Numerous emergency responders, WorkSafeBC officials and the coroner all attended the scene following the accident.
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