A Calgary-based natural gas company has been handed a $182,282.38 penalty from WorkSafeBC, after a Prince George, B.C., refinery worker was sprayed by hot oil while on the job.
The province's workplace health and safety regulator says Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure Ltd. was investigated after the Nov. 5, 2025, "high risk violation" at its Pulpmill Road site.
According to an inspection report provided by WorkSafeBC, the worker was attempting to clear a blockage in a heavy fuel line.
The notice also states that Tidewater failed to ensure hazards were effectively controlled.
According to the report, heavy fuel oil is stored at 125 C, to ensure it does not cool, as cooling causes it to solidify into an "asphalt like material."
Pressurized steam is used to clear blockages, the report states, with workers alternating between applying steam, shutting off the steam, and then using a screwdriver to scrape gunk out of an opening.
With some of the gunk cleared, product flowed through the opening and resulted in heavy fuel oil spraying out.
The report notes the worker was splashed with hot oil when they attempted to stop the flow by closing a valve after the heated oil sprayed uncontrollably.
According to WorkSafeBC's report, the company is complying with orders for copies of their work procedures and documentation of actions to address safety.
"The employer has provided documentation that outlines the actions being undertaken to guide employer and employee accountability and address the identified gaps within their health and safety management system," it states.
-CBC.ca
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