City of Cranbrook fined $175K for using potentially contaminated dirt during monster truck event

The City of Cranbrook is facing a fine of $175,783 after an inspection found several safety issues at an indoor monster truck event in February. 

WorkSafeBC, a provincial organization that investigates workplaces for health and safety practices, says that when it inspected the event, it found the dirt used may have been contaminated by "hazardous substances." It alleges the dirt was taken from a wastewater treatment plant without being tested for contamination. 

The agency also says gas detection monitors for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide read above the acceptable exposure limit. 

"The employer also failed to conduct a walkthrough survey to assess the potential for overexposure to hazardous substances, failed to assess the work area to determine the potential for exposure to harmful levels of exhaust from mobile equipment, and failed to implement an exposure control plan," the investigation says.

All violations noted by WorkSafeBC are classified as high risk, the agency says. 

In a statement issued on July 5, the city said it is appealing the fine. 

The city said the dirt used in February was clean fill taken from a road construction project — not the wastewater treatment plant, as stated by WorkSafeBC. 

"The City takes these allegations seriously and will work with WorkSafeBC to ensure all events protect public and staff safety," the statement reads.