View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2020/01/31/556753.htm
A reportedly unsafe blasting operation in Spokane, Wash., that put workers and the public at risk has resulted in an Idaho-based drilling company losing its license to perform similar work in Washington.
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries has also cited and fined North Idaho Drilling Inc. of St. Maries, Idaho, for several willful and serious violations for the June 2019 blasting incident.
In total, the company faces $92,144 in state penalties.
A crew from the drilling contractor was performing a blasting operation on North Grant Street in Spokane when the incident happened on June 21, 2019. Because the blast wasn’t planned or conducted properly, it resulted in rocks being thrown as far as 490 feet from the site in all directions, according to the department.
Some of the rocks struck buildings, some fell on the street and some struck vehicles. Though no one was hit, several people ran for cover.
L&I has cited this employer at least two other times for similar hazardous situations, so in addition to the large fine, the department revoked North Idaho Drilling’s license to conduct blasting operations in
This recent citation is for 11 violations, including three willful/serious and five serious, as well as repeat and willful general violations.
Among other things, the blaster in charge used more explosives than needed, which hurled rocks in all directions from the blast. Also, blast mats were not used properly to contain the explosion. The rocks thrown were large enough to cause serious injuries, permanent disability or death. Some did cause property damage, according to L&I.
Because this was the third time L&I has cited this employer for creating serious hazards, North Idaho Drillings Inc.’s license has been revoked in Washington.