An investigation by Quebec’s workplace safety agency has revealed that a faulty work method led to a tragic incident at SCV-Enercor in Anjou, resulting in the death of a foreman and injuries to another worker on Nov. 20.
According to the recently released report by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), the method used for a pressure test on a pipe failed to adequately manage the risk of accidents involving the pressurized pipe.
On the day of the incident, workers were carrying out a pneumatic pressure test on a 25.6-foot stainless steel pipe weighing 618 pounds to check for leaks.
As compressed air was released during the test, the pipe suddenly moved forward, ejecting a collar and a plug, ultimately striking the foreman and another worker standing nearby.
Tragically, the foreman lost his life, while the other worker suffered severe injuries, prompting the immediate arrival of emergency services.
The CNESST inspectors attributed the accident to the lack of proper restraining devices, coupled with the sudden release of compressed air and the weight of the pipe, causing it to move uncontrollably and resulting in the fatal impact on the foreman and the injuries to the other worker.
The inspectors highlighted multiple shortcomings in the work procedure followed during the pressure test in their report.
Concluding their findings, they stated, “The work method employed for the pneumatic pressure test failed to address the risk of accidents involving the pipe.”
