Thompson-based Vale Canada has been ordered to pay a penalty of $124,000 resulting from violations of The Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations.
The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) branch of Manitoba Growth, Enterprise and Trade is reminding employers to ensure appropriate emergency washing facilities are present in the workplace after an employer was prosecuted for violations of The Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations. As a result, a penalty totalling $124,000 was ordered by the courts.
On April 30, 2016, Thompson-based Vale Canada Limited workers were grouting cables on the 4070 level of the T3 Mine in Thompson. Workers stood on an elevated scissor deck and pumped liquid grout into holes through a pressurized polyethylene hose.
While filling one of the holes, the pressurized hose ruptured, spraying two workers in the face with liquid grout. The grout entered one of the worker’s eyes. With no emergency washing facilities nearby, the grout remained in the worker’s eye for an extended period, resulting in a permanent eye injury.
In December 2018, the employer pleaded guilty to failing to ensure emergency eyewash equipment was readily available to its worker while operating and working in close proximity to the CG-542 Rock Bolt and Cable Grouter. The employer was ordered to pay $124,000 in fines and penalties.
