Vancouver, Canada – Two workers were involved in a workplace incident that resulted in an explosion at a site in Vancouver, Canada. The incident occurred while the workers were installing safety chains above a tank, with one worker reaching into the tank without proper precautions.
Witnesses reported seeing flames coming from the equipment before the explosion blew the lid off the shaker, causing injuries to the workers involved. WorkSafeBC conducted an investigation and found that both companies involved, Key Energy and Secure Energy Services, failed to implement necessary safety measures before performing work above a tank containing flammable chemicals. This negligence led to the explosion.
As a result of the investigation, WorkSafeBC imposed fines on Key Energy totaling around $6,000 and fines on Secure Energy Services amounting to approximately $42,000. The government agency also mandated that both companies provide proper training to workers and review their risk assessment and safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations in the workplace, particularly when working with hazardous materials. Employers must ensure that employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge, training, and equipment to prevent accidents and protect their well-being. By enforcing strict safety protocols, companies can create a safer work environment for their employees and minimize the risk of incidents like the one that occurred in Vancouver.