Braya Renewable Fuels (Newfoundland) GP Inc. and Lorneville Mechanical Contractors Ltd. have been charged under Newfoundland and Labrador’s Occupational Health and Safety Act following a fatal explosion and fire at the Come By Chance refinery in September 2022. The incident resulted in the death of one worker and injuries to seven others.
The charges come after an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Division of the Department of Digital Government and Service NL. The explosion, described as a flash explosion, highlighted several alleged safety failings at the refinery.
Braya Renewable Fuels faces multiple charges, including failing to provide and maintain safe equipment, systems, and tools, and not ensuring workers and supervisors were informed of workplace hazards. The company is also accused of not implementing an Occupational Health and Safety Program and failing to ensure personal protective equipment provided effective protection.
Specifically, Braya is charged with:
- Failing to provide and maintain necessary equipment, systems, and tools to ensure a safe workplace.
- Failing to provide the necessary information, instruction, training, supervision, and facilities.
- Failing to familiarize workers and supervisors with hazards.
- Not ensuring that contracted employers and workers complied with Occupational Health and Safety legislation.
- Not implementing an Occupational Health and Safety Program.
- Not ensuring safe work procedures were followed.
- Failing to ensure personal protective equipment provided effective protection.
- Failing to isolate and control energy sources that could cause injury.
- Not securing equipment against movement and effectively controlling hazards during maintenance.
Lorneville Mechanical Contractors is charged with failing to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its workers and exposing other persons to hazards. The company is also accused of not following safe work procedures.
The first court appearance for both companies is scheduled for August 8, 2024, at Provincial Court in Clarenville.
