REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY FINED AFTER WORKER INJURED

The Sunrise Regional Health Authority has been fined $15,000 after violating occupational health and safety legislation that could have prevented a workplace accident.

The charges arose following an incident on July 11, 2006, when a Regional Laundry Services employee with the Sunrise Regional Health Authority in Yorkton, sustained injuries to her right hand when it was pulled into the folding unit of a laundry iron and folding machine.

The Sunrise Regional Health Authority was found guilty of contravening sections of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996 relating to lock out procedures, supervision and training.

"Injuries in the workplace are preventable when the occupational health and safety standards are followed," Labour Minister David Forbes said. "Adhering to the standards helps to ensure Saskatchewan workers return home safely at the end of each workday."

The Occupational Health and Safety Division inspects approximately 4,000 workplaces annually and provides training to more than 4,000 employer and worker representatives each year on their safety responsibilities.

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For more information, contact:

Gladys Wasylenchuk
Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4156
Email: gwasylenchuk@lab.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-1930