Shift Boss and Employer Fined after Blasting Operation Goes Wrong

During a blasting operation, the concussion from a blast knocked a shift boss and worker to the ground, injuring the worker. Another worker sustained a broken leg when a truck was pushed forward by the blast, pinning him to a wall. The employer pleaded guilty to three OHS violations, including failing to ensure that all work was sufficiently and competently supervised and that appropriate written procedures were provided to a worker conducting a blasting operation. It was fined $24,500. The shift boss pleaded guilty to one safety offence and was fined $2,100 [Claude Resources Inc. and Steve Strickland, Govt. News Release, Jan. 29, 2014].