Regulator Lays Charges Against Suncor Over 2019 Worker Incident

The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (CNLOPB) filed charges against Suncor Energy related to alleged criminal offenses related to an injury on board the Terra Nova FPSO.

It is recalled that on December 29, 2019, a Terra Nova FPSO worker was injured after falling from a ladder while conducting gas tests.

An offshore paramedic and emergency response team were called to the scene. The injured worker was rushed to St. John’s on Sunday evening and is currently receiving medical attention in hospital.

At the time of the incident, production-related operations at the Terra Nova FPSO were suspended as it was determined that Suncor had failed to meet requirements for the maintenance and comprehensive inspection of equipment critical to the safe operation of the facility.

The task being performed at the time the worker was injured was safety-oriented and not included in the scope of the suspended activity.

CNLOPB said charges were filed against Suncor on December 15, 2022. It said that regarding the incident, Suncor failed to provide a signed written report that complied with relevant regulations and committed a criminal offense.

The company also failed to ensure that every employee entering, exiting, and entering a confined space wear a seat belt securely attached to a lifeline, which, contrary to regulations, is attached to a secure anchor outside of the confined space, making it a criminal offense .

In addition, on or about December 29, 2019, at or near the Terra Nova FPSO located in the offshore area off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, Suncor failed to ensure that every employee enters an enclosed space, leaves and occupies space followed procedures and used protective equipment as required by regulations and committed an offence.

CNLOPB said the first court appearance is scheduled for January 25, 2023 at the St. John’s Provincial Court. “As this matter is before the court, the CNLOPB will not comment further at this time,” the CNLOPB said.

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