Nexen charged in death of two workers

A sign at Nexen Energy's Long Lake facility near Fort McMurray. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Nexen Energy is facing eight charges in the death of two employees in 2016.

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety laid the charges on December 19, 2017 nearly two years after the deaths of Dave Williams and Drew Foster.

The two workers were performing maintenance inside a hydrogen Compressor Building when an explosion occurred.

One of the men died on scene, while the other succumbed to his injuries several days later in the hospital.

In July 2016, Ron Bailey, head of Canadian operations at Nexen, said their own investigation found that the explosion was caused by staff doing work they weren’t supposed to be doing.

In an email Brittney Price, manager of corporate communications with Nexen stated the following:

“Nexen is aware of the Crown’s decision to lay charges. Our deepest sympathies remain with the families and individuals involved. A detailed review of these charges is currently underway; however, as the matter is before the courts we are unable to comment further.”

Nexen will be in court on Feb. 14, 2018.

-With files from The Canadian Press.