Date of incident: March 2022
Notice of incident number: 2022166960006
Employers: Electrical power producer; construction contractor (prime contractor); boat manufacturer

Incident summary
A cargo boat was being used to transport an air compressor to a remote hydroelectric generation site on a lake. As the boat manoeuvred toward the unloading site, it suddenly capsized. The boat operator, who was the sole occupant of the boat, drowned.

Investigation conclusions

Cause

• Loss of stability. The cargo boat was loaded and operated outside of its stability parameters. As the boat manoeuvred near the beach, it slowed and turned abruptly in preparation for docking and was hit by its following wake, which caused it to roll excessively and capsize.

Contributing factors

• Inadequate manufacturer’s instructions. The written information and safe work practices available from the boat manufacturer regarding loading requirements and operating procedures for the cargo boat were inadequate. The manufacturer did not provide an operator’s manual for the boat. The vessel’s load capacity was provided, but this constituted insufficient information for workers to safely position and secure the cargo.
• Inadequate instruction and supervision. The boat operator’s employer failed to provide the necessary information, instruction, and supervision to ensure his health and safety. The boat operator was not given adequate information regarding safe loading and securing the cargo on the cargo boat. He was provided with inadequate instruction about the safe operation of the cargo boat when it was loaded with cargo. The boat operator was not provided with sufficient supervision to ensure that he followed safe work practices for loading and operating the cargo boat, including wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) while operating the vessel.

Other health and safety issues

• Inadequate rescue procedures. Inadequate rescue procedures had been established by the electrical power producer for its operations on and around the lake and by the prime contractor for its operations directly related to its contract work. The lack of rescue provisions put workers attempting a rescue at further risk of injury or drowning.

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