Manitoba employer fined in relation to workplace explosion

WINNIPEG – Manitoba’s Ministry of Workplace Safety and Health has laid charges after an explosion at a residential property under construction.

On June 23, 2020 a worker employed by Prairieview Custom Basements Inc. was working in an excavated area at a residential property, applying Rub-R-Wall foundation coating to a foundation that had been recently torch-treated to remove moisture, a Government of Manitoba release said.

After spraying the coating for several minutes, the vapour ignited and caused an explosion, resulting in a worker sustaining significant injuries. 

Workplace Safety and Health officials conducted an investigation and laid charges under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. On Nov. 1, 2023 Prairieview Custom Basements Inc. pleaded guilty to section 4(1)(a) of the act for failing to “ensure, so far as practicable, the safety, health and/or welfare of workers at work.”

The employer had not ensured the work area had been adequately ventilated during application of the Rub-R-Wall foundation coating to prevent fire or explosions. A fine and court cost fee of $7,070 was imposed upon Prairieview Custom Basements Inc. by the court.