Regina refinery workers’ case going before WCB

The lawyer for workers hurt in the October 2011 explosion at Regina’s Co-op Refinery goes before the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) on Monday asking that the workers be allowed to sue for damages.

Four workers, along with their families, filed the lawsuit in October 2013. The workers allege they experienced severe emotional distress and anxiety in the wake of the explosion.

However, the WCB normally does not allow an action like this.

Last week, Regina’s Consumers Co-operative Refinery Limited pleaded guilty to one of five Occupational Health and Safety charges resulting from the explosion. Despite four more serious charges being dropped, lawyer Tavengwa Runyowa says the workers still have a strong case to make. 

“(The WCB) protects cases of gross negligence or criminal behavior and that’s going to be one of the cruxes of our argument.”

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Runyowa admits, though, it’s still a tough job. He will be making written arguments to the board Monday.

“We’re just trying to focus on the WCB process, engaging it in good faith, putting our arguments across, with no reason to expect we won’t get a fair hearing.”

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