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Goldcorp Canada Ltd fined $350K after worker laying electrical wire killed

October 11, 2012 | By Anthony Capkun


October 11, 2012 – Goldcorp Canada Ltd., the operator of Hoyle Pond (a Timmins, Ont.-based mine), was fined $350,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was killed.

On March 10, 2011, a worker was operating a scoop tram in a production area of the mine. Two workers approached the tram on foot and had a conversation with its operator about work to be done that day. The tram operator drove away to get a piece of equipment. While the tram was gone, one of the two workers on foot began laying electrical wire in the tram’s work zone and a third worker entered the area on foot. The tram operator returned to the area thinking there were only two workers. The operator saw two cap lamps near the entrance and proceeded into the work zone unaware that there was a worker laying electrical wire there. That worker remained unseen and was run over and killed by the machine.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that, at the time of the incident, Goldcorp had a procedure in place to alert equipment operators of workers in their area. This procedure required the placement of signs and flashing lights. While the signs and lights were readily available at the time of the incident, the procedure was not applicable in the area where the incident occurred.

Goldcorp Canada Ltd. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that:

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• there was a safety procedure in place in the area of the incident to protect workers when mobile equipment was being used
• workers were instructed on such a procedure
• the procedure was implemented through appropriate supervision

In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25% victim fine surcharge, which is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.


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