Resolute Forest Products has been fined $150,000 after a worker was burned at its Fort Francis mill in 2014.
On Feb. 27, 2014, a maintenance worker had been checking on a blockage of material in a conveyor in the mill, which had been idled in preparation for permanent closure. Dry wood dust that had been dumped into the conveyor ignited, causing an explosion. The worker received burns to the body.
The company was fined for not putting into place measures that deal with explosive hazards under Section 63 of the Regulation for Industrial Establishments.
In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.
A more detailed account of the incident is available here: https://news.ontario.ca/mol/en/2016/01/paper-mill-fined-150000-after-worker-burned-in-dust-explosion-at-idled-plant.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=m.
