Producer accepts fine following fatal accident

by
Editorial Staff

The accident occurred when Johansen was using an angle grinder.

Norwegian salmon producer Hofseth Aqua has agreed to pay a NOK 4 million ($365,000) fine after the death of 25-year-old Perry Emil Johansen in an explosion at the company’s fish farming facility in Liabygda, Sunnmøre, in June 2023.

The accident occurred when Johansen was using an angle grinder, a spark from which ignited dangerous gases in a tank containing dead fish, resulting in a fatal explosion.

Following an investigation by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority, several safety violations were identified at the site, leading to the fine under Norway’s Working Environment Act.

Initially, Hofseth challenged the fine, arguing that the company had not acted with gross negligence and that the amount exceeded typical penalties in comparable cases. Despite this, the company decided to accept the fine to avoid further legal proceedings and spare Johansen’s family additional emotional strain, according to a report from Norwegian broadcaster TV 2. 

In addition to the fine, Hofseth has already paid NOK 450,000 in compensation to Johansen’s family. The company expressed its condolences and stressed that they made the decision to conclude the matter out of respect for the victim’s family and employees, stating that avoiding further litigation was a key factor in their acceptance of the penalty.

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