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:: Monday, January 24, 2005 ::

WCB releases investigation into barge incident CNW Telbec
The Workers' Compensation Board of BC has issued orders and a penalty recommendation against Westminster Marine Services Ltd., the employer involved in the barge incident that took place on January 10, 2003 in New Westminster.

On this date, the 342-foot barge - the Sea Link Rigger - was undergoing maintenance at the Westminster Marine Services Ltd. (WMS) facility on Front Street in New Westminster. Workers were carrying out a variety of repairs on the barge, including repairs to manhole covers that access void spaces in the hull. A supervisor went missing and another worker located him in the bottom of the void space within the hull. The other workers, one by one, entered the compartment to rescue their colleagues, lost consciousness and ultimately four workers died from oxygen deprivation. One WMS employee survived, as did a New Westminster firefighter who was injured in a rescue attempt.

$130,000 penalty for barge deaths CBC British Columbia
VANCOUVER – The Workers' Compensation Board has ordered Westminster Marine Services to pay a $130,000 penalty in connection with a fatal barge accident two years ago.

Four men died while working on the Sea Link Rigger at a dock in New Westminster in January 2003.

A supervisor had gone below deck, and when he failed to return, three other workers went looking for him – one by one – and failed to return. All four died of oxygen deprivation.

A fifth worker and a firefighter were also injured in the incident.

posted 11:30 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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