Workers at a large electric vehicle (EV) battery plant project in southwestern Ontario, which is heavily subsidized by the public, have encountered multiple health and safety risks. These include high levels of carbon monoxide, electrical hazards, and flooded parking areas, as revealed in government documents uncovered by CBC News.
Provincial inspectors have made numerous visits to the construction site since it commenced in 2022, issuing over 100 orders to NextStar Energy, the company overseeing the project, related to health and safety concerns. Among these were 10 stop work orders for specific sections of the site until the issues were rectified, as non-compliance could result in substantial fines and potential imprisonment under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
NextStar, a collaboration between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution, has addressed all but two recent orders according to the records. The escalating concerns regarding worker safety have reached the provincial government’s cabinet level, with Labour Minister David Piccini meeting with trade unions involved in the project to address the health and safety issues.
The ongoing challenges faced by workers at the battery plant project have raised alarms within the Canadian workforce and industry. The project, expected to create 2,500 jobs and receiving significant government incentives, has encountered various issues, prompting concerns about worker safety and well-being.
Despite these challenges, NextStar recently announced the completion of the construction phase for the 4.23 million square-foot facility, emphasizing their adherence to industry standards and commitment to safety. The company highlighted its achievement of eight million safe work hours earlier this year, maintaining a zero lost-time injury record as a testament to their safety protocols.
The documents obtained through a freedom-of-information request outline over 110 health and safety orders linked to the NextStar property since the beginning of 2023. These records, along with field-visit reports, depict a project site that has seen a significant number of inspections, with workers expressing concerns about safety issues being overlooked.
Concerns over air quality, particularly due to the use of gas and diesel-powered equipment indoors, have been a recurring issue. Complaints regarding inadequate ventilation and unsafe working conditions have been reported, prompting the ministry to issue orders for monitoring and maintaining acceptable air quality levels.
In addition to air quality concerns, issues related to access to washrooms, electrical safety procedures, supervision, and water accumulation have also been flagged at the site. The ministry has issued multiple orders to address these issues and ensure a safe working environment for the thousands of workers involved in the project.
Despite the challenges faced, NextStar remains optimistic about the future of the project, aiming to commence battery cell production in the upcoming months. The company acknowledges the collaborative effort of over 9,000 Canadian trades workers in the construction process, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a safe and productive work environment.