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By Angela Gemmill

The Ontario Ministry of Labour has wrapped up its investigation into a double fatality at First Nickel Inc.’s Lockerby Mine from last spring.

Two drilling contractors were killed by a fall of material underground May 6, 2014.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ministry has laid eight charges against First Nickel and five against Taurus Drilling Services.

The victims were 49-year old Norm Bisaillon and 34-year old Marc Methe.

All charges must still be proven in court.

 

First Nickel Inc. Charges:
~ Prevention of water accumulation or flow of water that might endanger a worker
~ Ensuring an effective ground support system is installed
~ Requirement that a report be made in writing of all dangerous conditions
~ The examination of and remediation of misfiring explosives
~ The reporting to the Ministry of Labour of misfiring or defective explosives
~ The requirement of safe ground conditions programs to be created and implemented
~ Communications regarding ground stability
~ Proper illumination adequate to assess ground conditions

Taurus Drilling Services Charges:
~ The examination of and remediation of misfiring explosives
~ The reporting to the Ministry of Labour of misfiring and defective explosives
~ The requirement of safe ground conditions programs to be created and implemented
~ Communications regarding ground stability
~ The requirement of proper illumination adequate to assess ground conditions