Peace River Hydro Partners Construction Ltd. (PRHPC) has been fined $662,102.48 by WorkSafeBC for a worker injury.

According to the workers’ compensation company, a PRHPC worker at the Fort St. John worksite accessed the main circuit breaker in a high-voltage electrical cabinet on the firm’s tunnelling equipment. An electrical discharge occurred, and the worker received an electrical shock injury.

WorkSafeBC completed an inspection of the site and observed that the main electrical breaker extensions on the exterior cabinet door were not functioning, the de-energization switches had been bypassed, and the main breaker switch-box isolation covers were in disrepair.

In addition, WorkSafeBC determined that this worksite did not follow lockout procedures when accessing the main circuit breaker. A stop-use order was issued for the tunnelling equipment.

The firm failed to ensure its equipment was able to safely perform its functions, and failed to provide the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure the health and safety of its workers.

These were both repeated violations. PRHPC was also issued a high-risk violation for failing to effectively isolate and control hazardous energy sources.