Pipeline Contractor Fined $50,000 After Fire

Brampton, ON - Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited, a King City pipeline contractor, was fined $50,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that resulted in a fire.

On September 30, 2009, workers were installing a new natural gas line that crossed under Winston Churchill Blvd., in Mississauga, and led into Lisgar Station, an Enbridge distribution facility. Workers were at Lisgar Station working on the new pipe when they heard a gas leak and evacuated the project. Shortly afterwards, the leaked gas ignited, resulting in a fire.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the exposed pipe was pressurized with natural gas while workers were present. However, not all workers were told that this was the case.

Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited pleaded guilty to failing to provide information to workers to protect the health and safety of those workers.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Leon Fayolle.  In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

Court Information at a Glance

Location:                    Ontario Court of Justice

                                    5 Ray Lawson Blvd.

                                    Brampton, ON

Judge:                         Justice of the Peace Leon Fayolle

Date of Sentencing:    July 22, 2011

Defendant:                  Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited

Matter:                        Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:                 Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 25(2)(a)

Crown Counsel:          Alexandra Bednar

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