Worker was struck by a pipe that fell off a loader while being moved
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) has laid 14 charges against Sonic Coating Solutions Inc., a corrosion protection company, following a workplace death nearly two years ago. The charges were filed by OHS officer and lead investigator Michael Johnston at the Alberta Court of Justice in Edmonton on May 26.
The victim, identified as Realvin Perolina, 54, was described as a "gentle and kind-hearted man who loved music, books, geography, and travel." Perolina, who hailed from the Philippines, was married and had three children.
According to court documents viewed by CBC News, the incident occurred on October 30, 2021, when "four workers were moving pipe from an abrasive blasting building to a paint shop" in a location south of Edmonton. It was during this process that "a worker was struck by the pipe and fatally injured."
Trent Bancarz, a communications adviser for the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, and Trade, revealed the section of pipe fell off a loader leading to the tragic accident.
Sonic Coating Solutions is facing charges under the OHS Act for alleged failures, including not requiring and enforcing the use of appropriate equipment, failing to prevent a worker from standing close to or under a suspended load, lacking a safe work procedure for moving pipes between buildings, not enforcing administrative controls, failing to rig a load in a safe manner, and inadequately supervising workers.
The company is also accused of violating the OHS regulation by allegedly not ensuring that dangerous work was assigned to a competent worker. Additionally, Sonic Coating Solutions Inc. faces charges related to contraventions of six sections of the OHS code.
These charges have not yet been proven in court and Sonic Coating Solutions has not commented on the charges.
The number of workplace fatalities in Alberta remains a concerning issue. In 2021 alone, 178 lives were lost due to workplace accidents, and the previous year saw 161 fatalities. These figures highlight the urgent need for stronger workplace safety measures and increased awareness to prevent such tragedies.
Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labour, expressed his concerns over the rising rates of lost-time claims and disabling-injury claims reported by the Workers' Compensation Board, stating, "when it comes to workplace safety, Alberta is not doing well."
Sonic Coating Solutions is expected to make a first court appearance July 5 at the Leduc Court of Justice.
