THREE SASKATCHEWAN FIRMS FINED FOR WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY VIOLATIONS

Three Saskatchewan firms were recently fined in Provincial Court under the provincial Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and Regulations.

Battlefords and District Co-operative Ltd. was fined $9,000 plus a victim fine surcharge of $2,700 after pleading guilty to failing to ensure a worker was competent and trained in the safe use of a machine. The company was charged following a May 2nd, 2004 incident in which a 16-year-old worker had four fingers amputated while operating a radial arm saw.

"An incident of this sort has obvious repercussions for the worker involved," Occupational Health and Safety Executive Director Allan Walker said. "This conviction sends the message that there are repercussions for employers who fail to comply with OH-and-S regulations."

Everflow Eaves and Exteriors Inc. of Regina was fined $600 after pleading guilty to failing to ensure workers used fall protection when working at a height and protective headwear. The charges were laid following a February 22nd inspection by Occupational Health officers.

Walter's Industrial Mechanical Ltd. of Regina was fined $300 after pleading guilty to failing to ensure workers used fall protection when working at a height. The charge was laid following a March 11th inspection by Occupational Health officers.

"At least one construction worker has died from a fall in each of the last six years," Walker said. "While we continue to emphasize an educational and support approach in most cases, the frequent non-compliance with fall protection requirements in the construction industry will not be tolerated."

The maximum penalty under The Occupational Health and Safety Act for an offence that does not cause, but is likely to cause, the death or serious injury of a worker is $50,000. The maximum penalty for an offence that causes the death or serious injury of a worker is $300,000 and two years in jail.

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For More Information, Contact:

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