March 2, 2009

Kiewit rock scaler dies at Toba Inlet project

RICHARD GILBERT

staff writer

VANCOUVER

A 24-year-old rock scaler died while working on the construction of a large hydroelectric project at Toba Inlet, near Powell River, B.C.

The Squamish resident, identified as Samual Fitzpatrick, was killed when a rock fell on his head as he was working at a Plutonic Power site being built by Peter Kiewit Sons.

At the time of the accident, Fitzpatrick was working alongside his brother, both experienced at their trade, said Kiewit spokesperson Kent Grisham. The brothers worked as a team and began their employment with Kiewit on the Sea-to Sky highway project.

This tragedy has had an effect on the entire Kiewit operation, but is particularly tough for the workers at Toba Inlet, said Grisham. “We are deploying counseling resources to help employees and everybody who is involved, especially Sam’s family,” explained Grisham

“Plutonic is feeling this in a more unique way because of what happened in November,” he added.

Last November, six workers and a pilot were killed in a plane crash on South Thormanby Island, B.C. The plane went down during a routine flight to the work camp.

Five of the six construction workers were employed by Peter Kiewit Sons, which is the main contractor for Plutonic Power Corp’s Toba Inlet hydro power project.

RCMP spokesperson Const. Kerri Chard said a nurse on scene attempted to revive Fitzpatrick but the coroner has since confirmed he was likely killed instantly.

All operations on the site were halted immediately following the accident and will gradually be brought back on line as determined by WorkSafeBC, who is leading the investigation.

A run-of-river hydro project diverts a small amount of water, up river, and runs that water through a turbine at a lower elevation, before returning the water to the river below.

These projects are comprised of an intake structure and a penstock (large pipe) that carries water to turbines and generators in a powerhouse.

For proper routing of the penstock, it is necessary to make cuts in the rock face.

Rock scalers inspect, recommend actions and provide guidance, in order for workers to cut into a rock face.

When the rock face is removed, rock scalers check for areas that might need more attention.

Rock scalers are part of the 297 person crew that lives in a work camp at the remote construction site on the East Toba River project.

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