Workers at a large publicly funded electric vehicle (EV) battery plant project in southwestern Ontario have encountered several health and safety risks, as per government records acquired by CBC News. The hazards include heightened levels of carbon monoxide, electrical dangers, and flooded parking areas.
Provincial inspectors have made numerous visits to the construction site since work began in 2022, issuing over 100 directives to NextStar Energy, the project’s sponsor, related to health and safety concerns. This included 10 stop work orders for specific sections until the issues were resolved, as non-compliance with orders under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) could result in substantial penalties or imprisonment.
NextStar Energy, a partnership between global automaker Stellantis and South Korean battery company LG Energy Solution, has adhered to most orders, except for two recent ones. The matter of health and safety has recently reached the provincial government’s cabinet level, with Labour Minister David Piccini engaging with building trades unions involved in the project to address concerns.
Numerous issues have been raised by Canadian employees and firms regarding the battery plant, which is anticipated to generate around 2,500 jobs and is receiving substantial government incentives. NextStar, having recently concluded the construction phase, expressed pride in the development of Canada’s first large-scale battery manufacturing facility, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Despite publicly reported injuries, the company highlighted achieving eight million safe work hours earlier this year, emphasizing its dedication to safety. Concerns around air quality, washroom accessibility, electrical safety procedures, supervision, and water accumulation have been recurrent throughout the construction process, prompting various orders and interventions by regulatory authorities.
The ongoing challenges underscore the importance of prioritizing health and safety protocols within the rapidly evolving project, as workers continue to express concerns over ignored safety issues.
