Workers at a large electric vehicle (EV) battery plant project in southwestern Ontario, which is heavily subsidized by the government, have encountered multiple health and safety risks, as per government records obtained by CBC News. The hazards include elevated levels of carbon monoxide, electrical dangers, and flooded parking areas. Provincial inspectors have visited the construction site numerous times since it began in 2022, issuing over 100 orders related to health and safety to NextStar Energy, the company leading the project.
The records reveal that NextStar, a collaboration between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution, received 10 stop work orders for specific sections of the site until the identified issues were rectified. Failure to comply with Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) orders could result in significant fines and potential imprisonment. While NextStar has addressed most orders, two remain outstanding.
There have been discussions at the cabinet level of the provincial government concerning workers’ concerns about health and safety, as mentioned by Andrew Dowie, a member of the provincial parliament (MPP) representing Windsor—Tecumseh. Labour Minister David Piccini has engaged with the building trades unions involved in the project to address health and safety issues, proposing solutions such as increased presence of labor inspectors on-site.
These developments add to the ongoing challenges faced by Canadian workers and companies involved in the battery plant project, which aims to generate approximately 2,500 jobs and is supported by substantial government incentives. NextStar recently completed the construction phase of the 4.23 million-square-foot facility, emphasizing its adherence to industry standards and safety requirements.
Despite publicly reported injuries, NextStar highlighted its achievement of eight million safe work hours earlier in the year, emphasizing its commitment to safety. The company’s focus on safety practices includes a robust Early and Safe Return to Work Program overseen by the general contractor, Alberici-Barton Malow (A-BM).
The project has seen a significant number of health and safety orders, with at least 60 site visits since 2022, showcasing the active oversight by provincial inspectors. The records also indicate concerns raised by workers regarding air quality, washroom access, electrical safety procedures, supervision issues, and water accumulation on the site.
NextStar looks forward to commencing battery cell production in the upcoming months, emphasizing the collaborative effort involving over 9,000 Canadian trades workers in the construction process.