COMPANY FINED FOR ELECTROCUTION OF THREE WORKERS

A Regina company has been fined $19,500 for a workplace accident that caused high voltage electrical burns to three workers. The fine included a victim surcharge.

A-1 Rent-Alls Ltd. pleaded guilty in Moose Jaw Provincial Court yesterday to two charges under The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 and regulations. The charges relate to failing to ensure materials are handled more than three metres away from exposed electrical conductors and failing to ensure the safety of contracted workers at a place of employment.

On November 25, 2005, workers subcontracted from C&S Builders Ltd. were replacing a roof in Moose Jaw. Chad Georget, Jesse Dumonseau and Eric Berg were electrocuted as they erected a garbage chute to funnel debris off the roof and a wire rope cable touched nearby power lines.

Both Georget and Dumonseau had a lower portion of one of their legs amputated as a result. The company has created a $10,000 trust for those workers.

"No worker or family should have to suffer the consequences of injuries that our occupational health and safety legislation was meant to prevent," Labour Minister David Forbes said. "As we see in this case, disregarding that legislation has consequences for workers and employers."

The Occupational Health and Safety Division inspects approximately 4,500 workplaces annually and provides training to more than 4,000 employer and worker representatives each year on their safety rights and responsibilities.

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For More Information, Contact:

Natosha Lipinski Labour Regina Phone: 306-787-3716 Email: nlipinski@lab.gov.sk.ca