Newfoundland and Labrador firm also charged in an unrelated incident
A Saskatchewan-based company has been ordered by court to pay $70,000 following a workplace incident that left a worker injured.
The incident occurred in April 2020 at a worksite in Saskatoon, where an employee was injured after a form cage tipped over while he was lading concrete forms.
The Saskatoon Provincial Court pleaded guilty to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996, particularly subsection 129(a), which states that an employer, contractor, or owner shall ensure that "no material or equipment is placed, stacked, or stored so as to constitute a hazard to workers."
Because of the violation, the court slapped the company with a $50,000 fine, on top of a surcharge of $20,000 to make it $70,000.
The Saskatchewan government in a media release reminded employers that they are required to provide a safe and health workplace for their staff. They must also "provide information, training, and experience necessary for employees to perform their jobs safely."
Those who have questions over the workplace health and safety may contact an industry safety association or visit the website of WorkSafe Saskatchewan.
According to the government, the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety will work with employers and workers to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses via education, inspections, and prosecutions.
Newfoundland and Labrador firm charged with workplace violations
Meanwhile in Newfoundland and Labrador, a construction company there was also charged with violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.
It stems from an incident at a bridge construction site in March 2020, which left a worker with soft-tissue injuries.
According to the Newfoundland and Labrador government, the firm has been charged with the following violations after they reportedly failed to:
- Ensure that workers, particularly supervisors, were familiar with the hazards
- Immediately notify the assistant deputy minister of Digital Government and Service NL once an accident occurred that had the reasonable potential of causing serious injury or death of a person
- Include written work procedures in their occupational health and safety programme appropriate to the hazards and work activity
- Ensure that work procedures promote the safe interaction of workers and their work environment
The government said the company will appear before the provincial court on April 5.
