FIRM FINED FOR WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY VIOLATIONS

A Regina recycling firm recently pled guilty in provincial court to two offences under the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and was fined a total of $15,000.

Wascana Recycling Ltd. was fined $13,000 for failing to ensure a paper baler was properly locked out prior to maintenance being performed on the equipment. As well, the firm was fined $2,000 for failing to provide workers with written lockout procedures. The violations came to light as a result of an incident during which a plant worker's leg was traumatically amputated.

"This tragic event shows that disregard for OH&S regulations has consequences," Occupational Health & Safety Division Executive Director Allan Walker said. "That's why we're taking action to enforce standards as part of an overall education and enforcement strategy."

In 2003, approximately one in 20 Saskatchewan workers covered by the Workers' Compensation Board suffered a time loss injury or illness and Occupational Health & Safety officials investigated 13 fatalities in the last year. The Occupational Health & Safety Division will conduct 4,500 workplace inspections this year – an increase of 50 per cent over last year.

Maximum penalties for an offence that causes the death or serious injury of a worker are $300,000 and two years in jail.

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For More Information, Contact:

Allan Walker Labour Regina Phone: (306) 787-4481