Employers facing 14 charges combined in death of one worker, injury of seven others
The employers charged in the fatal explosion at a refinery in Come By Chance in Newfoundland and Labrador made their first court appearance on Thursday, according to a report.
Occupational health and safety (OHS) charges were filed against Braya Renewable Fuels and Lorneville Mechanical Contractors following a deadly explosion in 2022. This tragic incident led to eight serious injuries and the eventual death of Shawn Peddle, 47, from Clarenville. Peddle died in hospital six weeks after the explosion.
Overall, 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.
Injured workers, family members, supporters and union officials packed a courtroom in Clarenville, though the court appearance on Thursday was brief, according to a CBC report.
The case will return to court next month.
Union leaders say injured workers and their families are bracing for a lengthy legal process.
"It's very frustrating," said Glenn Nolan, president of United Steelworkers Local 9316, which represents most unionized workers at the refinery, according to the report.
"It's been two years [on] September the second. It's a difficult time, until they find out for Shawn and the injured workers where this is going to go."
