Charges have been laid against Stelco and John Kenyon Ltd more than a year after two workers died after being burned by steam.
CBC reports that the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development laid charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act against the company.
Stelco was charged with:
- Two counts of failing to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker. “The defendant failed to ensure that the quench/mogul car was under the direct control of an operator who could ensure that the quench tower was free of workers before proceeding to quench the hot coke.” Related to the second count, “the defendant failed to ensure that adequate lunch and/or break periods were scheduled for the quenching process, to ensure that the quenching process did not take place while workers were performing work on the quench tower.”
- Failing to ensure the measures and procedures… were carried out. “The defendant failed to ensure the mogul/quench car was equipped with a device that enabled the operator to stop the car in an emergency,” says the ministry.
- Failing to provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker.
John Kenyon Limited was charged with the same set of charges except one
The companies’ first court date is Sept. 6 in Cayuga.
Written by Matt LeBlanc