Above Water Fined $75,000 Following Workplace Explosion in Ottawa

📅 1 week ago

Foundation repair company Above Water has been fined for failing to ensure a safe work environment after a worker was injured in an explosion during a project at a private residence in Ottawa.

In Ottawa, the foundation, waterproofing, and concrete repair firm, 8169195 Canada Inc., which operates under the name Above Water, has been penalized with a fine of $75,000 following an incident that resulted in a worker's injury during an explosion at a private residence. The Ontario court bulletin detailed that the event took place on August 30, 2023, at a property located on Hadley Circle. Above Water had been engaged to carry out foundation repair work and to install a window well system at the site.
On the day of the incident, a worker was applying Henry Blueskin Adhesive to a rear foundation wall. This adhesive is known to be a flammable liquid that emits ignitable vapours when used. The worker was positioned at the bottom of a trench that measured approximately eight feet in depth and three feet in width. While applying the adhesive, an explosion unexpectedly occurred within the trench, resulting in injuries to the worker.
An investigation conducted by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development revealed that the flammable adhesive was generating ignitable vapours within the trench. However, it was noted that no atmospheric monitoring or adequate ventilation was in place to mitigate the risk of an explosive atmosphere developing in the confined space.
As a consequence of this oversight, Above Water was found to have failed in its responsibility to ensure that the work area was appropriately ventilated, thus violating section 46(1)(b) of Ontario Regulation 213/91, which pertains to Construction Projects, as well as section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The company entered a guilty plea in the Provincial Offences Court in Ottawa on July 15, 2026, leading to the imposition of the $75,000 fine, which was levied by Justice of the Peace Mahamud H. Elmi. This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations and ensuring proper ventilation when working with flammable materials in construction settings.

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