The union representing refinery workers have welcomed the latest update
Occupational health and safety (OHS) charges have been filed against Braya Renewable Fuels and Lorneville Mechanical Contractors following a deadly explosion at the Come By Chance refinery in 2022. This tragic incident, as reported by CBC News, led to eight serious injuries and the eventual death of Shawn Peddle, 47, from Clarenville. Peddle died in hospital six weeks after the explosion.
Braya Renewable Fuels is facing 11 charges, including failure to provide and maintain the necessary equipment, systems, and tools to ensure a safe workplace, and failure to ensure safe work procedures were followed. Lorneville Mechanical Contractors is facing three charges, primarily for failing to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its workers.
The Department of Digital Government and Service Newfoundland and Labrador, responsible for occupational health and safety in the province, declined further comment, noting the matter is before the courts. Both companies are scheduled to make their first court appearance in Clarenville on August 8.
In an emailed statement to CBC News, Paul Burton, refinery manager for Braya, acknowledged the conclusion of the OHS investigation. “It was a difficult time for all of us at the refinery, including the friends and family of all those impacted by the incident. Our leadership team will take some time to carefully review and consider the findings,” Burton stated. He emphasized Braya’s commitment to stringent safety practices and maintaining a safe environment for employees and visitors.
Lorneville Mechanical Contractors did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Union calls for further action
The United Steelworkers (USW), the union representing refinery workers, welcomed the charges but stressed the need for further action.
Glenn Nolan, president of the USW local representing Braya refinery workers, emphasized the emotional toll on workers and the need for answers. “It’s a lot of stress and pain today,” Nolan said. “A lot of emotions, a lot of anger. And the answers are not all there yet, but OHS got their job done.”
Nolan and Ron Thomas, USW representative for Newfoundland, part of Labrador, and Nova Scotia, displayed family pictures of Peddle, provided by his wife, to ensure he is remembered. “She gave me these pictures so we don’t forget Shawn,” Nolan stated. “We’re not forgetting Shawn, and the injured workers, and the workers.”
Thomas echoed Nolan’s sentiments, highlighting the union’s push for further action. “When you go to work, you want to go home at the end of the day,” he said. “And this OHS is one part of what the Steelworkers are pushing. Our next step is to push for an inquiry. And the third step is, we know that the RCMP are doing their investigation, and we believe that if a worker is killed and it is the fault of the employer that the employer needs to go to jail.”
According to CBC News, the RCMP confirmed that its investigation into the incident is ongoing, with no criminal charges laid at this time.
