Occupational health and safety charges laid in fatal Come By Chance refinery blast

Occupational health and safety charges have been laid against two companies in relation to a 2022 fatal flash fire and explosion at the Come By Chance refinery.

Eight workers were seriously injured in the blast.

One of them — Shawn Peddle, 47, of Clarenville — died in hospital six weeks after the explosion.

Refinery owner Braya Renewable Fuels (Newfoundland) GP Incorporated is facing 11 charges, including failure to provide and maintain the necessary equipment, systems and tools to ensure a safe workplace, and failure to ensure safe work procedures were followed.

Lorneville Mechanical Contractors Limited is facing three charges, including failure to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its workers.

The Department of Digital Government and Service N.L., which oversees occupational health and safety in the province, declined further comment, noting the matter is before the courts.

According to the province, both companies are scheduled to make a first appearance at provincial court in Clarenville on Aug. 8.

In an emailed statement, Braya indicated it's aware that the OHS investigation into the flash fire has concluded. 

"It was a difficult time for all of us at the refinery, including the friends and family of all those impacted by the incident. Our leadership team will take some time to carefully review and consider the findings," refinery manager Paul Burton said.

"Braya Renewable Fuels has stringent safety practices in place as a part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our employees, our community, and all those who visit our site. We are always open to learning how we can maintain a safe and welcoming space for everyone."

Lorneville Mechanical Contractors did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The OHS charges are a step in the right direction, according to the union representing workers at the refinery.

But the United Steelworkers say more needs to be done.

"It's a lot of stress and pain today," said Glenn Nolan, president of the USW local that represents Braya refinery workers.

"A lot of emotions, a lot of anger. And the answers are not all there yet, but OHS got their job done."

As they answered questions from CBC News, Nolan and Ron Thomas, USW representative for all of Newfoundland, and part of Labrador and Nova Scotia, displayed family pictures of Peddle, provided by his wife.

"She gave me these pictures so we don't forget Shawn," Nolan said. "We're not forgetting Shawn, and the injured workers, and the workers."

Thomas said it was "a bit of an angry day" for him, but he is glad the OHS investigation "got it right" in laying the charges.

"When you go to work, you want to go home at the end of the day," Thomas said. 

"And this OHS is one part of what the Steelworkers are pushing. Our next step is to push for an inquiry. And the third step is, we know that the RCMP are doing their investigation, and we believe that if a worker is killed and it is the fault of the employer that the employer needs to go to jail."

• CBC INVESTIGATES | RCMP probe of fatal Come By Chance refinery blast slowed by legal issue
• CBC INVESTIGATES | RCMP fears evidence will be destroyed, witness jobs imperiled, if fatal refinery probe info revealed
• CBC INVESTIGATES | Mounties launched criminal negligence probe months after fatal Come By Chance refinery blast

In a statement to CBC News on Tuesday morning, the RCMP confirmed that its investigation is continuing, and no criminal charges have been laid.

Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.