Tidewater penalized for ‘high-risk violation’

PRINCE GEORGE — WorkSafeBC issued a penalty of $182,282.38 to Tidewater Midstream and Infrastructure Ltd due to what it calls a “high-risk violation” on February 24, 2026.

WorkSafeBC says that during a procedure to clear a blockage in a heavy fuel oil line, there was an uncontrolled flow of oil, and a worker’s clothing was sprayed with hot oil. WorkSafe’s investigation determined the firm’s safe work procedures for the method used to clear the blockage had not been followed.

WorkSafeBC says no hazard assessment had been completed, no hot work permit had been issued, no standby person with emergency equipment had been in place, and workers had not worn the required personal protective equipment.

WorkSafeBC adds that the firm failed to ensure hazards were effectively controlled before allowing work to be done on machinery shut down for maintenance.