Terrace Bay Pulp Inc. fined $343,000 in death of 28-year-old

Terrace Bay Pulp Inc. has been fined $343,750, the result of a deadly 2011 explosion that killed 28-year-old T.J. Birthalot.

The company pleaded guilty to a pair of counts in the case.

The first count, which saw a $200,000 fine imposed, accused Terrace Bay Pulp of failing the ensure that a tank or container to which repairs or alterations were to be made was drained and cleaned or otherwise rendered free from any explosive, flammable or harmful substances.

The second count, which levied a $75,000 fine, accused the company of failing to ensure all reasonable precautions had been taken at the workplace, contrary to provincial regulations.

Specifically Terrace Bay Pulp Inc. failed to ensure there were adequate procedures or written policies in place with respect to isolating blow-tank No. 1, getting rid of a hazardous substance or testing for one and failing to ensure workers followed them before welding work was performed on the tank.

They were also guilty of failing to adequately test the tank for hazardous substances before welding work began on the blow tank, and failed to adequately co-ordinate blow-tank work activities, including cleaning it properly and gas-testing it before welding work was conducted.

Both fines come with a 25 per cent victim surcharge.