Ruptured Hose Injures Worker & Results in $50,000 Fine

A worker was testing a pump when one of the 24-inch pipe elbows located outside the building froze, preventing the circulation of water in a rubber hose. The system then backfilled until it exceeded its maximum pressure. A six-inch rubber hose in the system ruptured and expelled water, which struck the worker with enough force to push him about 30 feet across the shop floor. He suffered fractures and lacerations. An MOL investigation found that the company failed to take the reasonable precaution of installing a pressure relief valve in the discharge water lines. It pleaded guilty to violating the OHS Act and was fined $50,000 [Clyde Union Canada Ltd., Govt. News Release, May 18, 2016].