The investigation of a drowning at the Tolko Sawmill in Kelowna has found the company lacking.
On January 30th 2017, a sawmill employee died when the boat he was operating sank.
A report released this week by WorkSafeBC has found company negligence was a contributing factor in the fatal incident.
Investigators were unable to definitively determine the series of events that led up to the sinking of the tugboat. However, it’s believed the vessel’s engine hatch was not closed properly at the time, allowing water to fill the engine compartment and ultimately causing the boat to sink.
During the investigation, it was determined the personal floatation device worn by Ivor Lundin was defective.
“The PFD was inspected after the incident and found to be non-functional. The pull cord that activates the inflation mechanism was improperly routed, rendering the PFD inoperative” reads the report.
It is apparent that Lundin’s sobriety may have also played a role in the incident. Investigators found a “partially full bottle of alcohol” in a backpack recovered from the boat and Tolko’s “Failure to implement drug and alcohol policy” is listed as a contributing factor.
The BC Coroners Service was involved in the investigation. However, the section of WorkSafeBC’s report detailing the victim’s physical condition has been almost entirely redacted.
Following a separate, internal investigation, Tolko implemented a company-wide training program to help supervisors detect substance abuse in the workplace.
“Prior to the incident, Tolko did not have a firm policy regarding assessment of the sobriety of workers at the start of a shift.” notes WorkSafeBC.
The report also faults the company for not doing enough to ensure the safety of their employee, who was working alone - 150 metres from shore - at the time of his death. While it is believed Lundin was within sight and earshot of other Tolko employees, apparently there were no witnesses to the incident.
Even if there had been, WorkSafeBC says they would not have been in a position to rescue him.
“In this instance, in order to effect a rescue, other workers would have had to call a supervisor with access to keys for a rescue boat, locate a qualified operator, and travel a significant distance at slow speed. Tolko lacked the necessary procedures to immediately come to Operator 1’s aid.”
The report makes note of the various steps Tolko has already taken to prevent future fatalities. Among other things, the company has introduced measures to prevent the engine compartment on its tugboats from flooding, ensure workers' personal floatation devices are functional, and improve response procedures in the event of an emergency.
At the time of writing, neither Tolko Industries nor the United Steelworkers union could be reached for comment.
To read the full report provided to AM 1150 by WorkSafeBC, click here.