Journal of Commerce | DCN-JOC News Services | October 7, 2025
RICHMOND, B.C. — Lafarge Canada Inc. has been fined a total of $674,445.93 in relation to an incident that occurred in November 2020 in Richmond, B.C. at the firm’s cement manufacturing facility.
According to WorkSafeBC, when a large fan at the site failed, debris broke through the fan housing and struck a nearby worker, causing fatal injuries.
An investigation determined the fan’s impeller had been repaired and refurbished about five months prior to the incident, but the firm failed to ensure the installation, inspection, testing and repair of its equipment was done as specified by the manufacturer or a professional engineer.
Lafarge also failed to ensure that, if equipment was dismantled and subsequently re-assembled, it was checked by a qualified person and determined to be safe before operation.
WorkSafeBC lastly stated the firm failed to ensure the health and safety of all workers at its workplace, and failed to provide workers with the information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to ensure their health and safety.
These were all high-risk violations.
The company was fined on Aug. 22, 2025.