A large industrial truck that toppled into Vancouver Island's Nitinat Lake after the soil beneath it liquefied was working contrary to health and safety regulations, a WorkSafe BC report says.
The incident happened on the remote lake on the Island's west coast on Aug. 26 while Roc-Star Enterprises workers were working on stream rehabilitation. A video posted to the company's social media shows the soil giving way as the truck drives along the shoreline and sinks into the lake. The driver was able to get out through a window and was helped back to shore by a dive team.
"Thankfully the experienced operator was also an experienced swimmer and was able to exit the vehicle and swim to safety without injury. He handled the situation remarkably well," the post alongside the video says. "This event underscores the critical importance of continuous risk assessment in dynamic environments, particularly when working in or near water."
The post adds the company is working with agencies to conduct an investigation and prevent future incidents, saying the video was posted to remind people of the importance of safety and to support safer practices.
"We believe this incident serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of shoreline work and the need for ongoing vigilance, planning and safety training across all levels of heavy industry," it says.
WorkSafe says the company contravened the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, which states a workplace must be planned, constructed, used and maintained to protect from danger any person person working at the workplace.
The beach where the truck was working could not handle its weight, which is what caused the soil to liquefy and collapse and the truck to sink.
WorkSafe is investigating and says the company must submit a report on the incident.
