A major shipbuilding company in British Columbia has been fined $710,000 after a worker suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The incident occurred in October 2018 at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards, where the worker was exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide while working on a vessel. The worker was taken to the hospital and treated for carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause serious health issues and even death.
An investigation by WorkSafeBC found that the company had failed to properly maintain and inspect the ventilation system on the vessel, which led to the buildup of carbon monoxide. The company also did not have adequate procedures in place to monitor and control the levels of carbon monoxide in the workplace.
As a result, Seaspan was fined $710,000 for multiple violations of the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The company has also been ordered to conduct a full review of its health and safety policies and procedures, and to implement any necessary changes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In a statement, WorkSafeBC emphasized the importance of proper ventilation and monitoring in preventing carbon monoxide poisoning in the workplace. They also urged employers to regularly inspect and maintain their ventilation systems to ensure the safety of their workers.
This incident serves as a reminder for companies to prioritize the health and safety of their employees. Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment and to follow all regulations and guidelines set by WorkSafeBC.
The worker who suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning has since recovered, but this incident could have had much more serious consequences. It is crucial for companies to take all necessary precautions to prevent workplace accidents and protect their workers from harm.
