A construction firm has been fined more than $57,000 after one of its excavators struck a gas main while working on two high-rises in Richmond.
WorkSafeBC fined Hexcel Construction $57,282.25 after one of its employees – while working on existing infrastructure - caused a T-connection of the natural gas main to displace, sparking a gas leak and, subsequently, a worksite evacuation.
WorkSafeBC later determined that the firm had not exposed the gas line by hand during excavation work, as is required.
The firm, say WorkSafeBC, “failed to ensure excavation work in proximity to underground utilities was done in conformity with the requirements of the utility owner.”
According to the watchdog, the violation earlier this summer was a repeat, high-risk offence.
