Released on September 6, 2017
Three Saskatchewan companies pleaded guilty to occupational health and safety violations in Saskatoon Provincial Court on August 24, 2017, for failing to ensure workers were using necessary safety equipment.
Cactus Roofing Ltd. pleaded guilty to:
- contravening section 91 of the regulations (fail to ensure that workers wear approved industrial protective headwear); and
- contravening subsection 116(2) of the regulations (fail to ensure that workers use a fall protection system at a work area where a worker may fall three metres or more).
The company was fined $1,500 plus a $600 surcharge on each count for a total of $4,200. On October 28, 2016, an occupational health officer observed workers on a worksite who were not using fall protection or personal protective equipment. No one was injured.
Xray Roofing Inc. pleaded guilty to:
- contravening section 91 of the regulations (fail to ensure that workers wear approved industrial protective headwear); and
- contravening subsection 116(2) of the regulations (fail to ensure that workers use a fall protection system at a work area where a worker may fall three metres or more).
One additional charge was stayed in court. The company was fined $1,000 plus a $400 surcharge on each count, a total of $2,800. Charges resulted from a worksite inspection on June 20, 2016, when an officer observed workers not using proper safety equipment. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Michael Groulx, operating as Mico Construction, pleaded guilty to:
- contravening section 91 of the regulations (fail to ensure that workers wear approved industrial protective headwear); and
- contravening subsection 116(2) of the regulations (fail to ensure that workers use a fall protection system at a work area where a worker may fall three metres or more).
The company was fined $1,000 plus a $400 surcharge on each count, a total of $2,800 in fines. One additional charge was stayed in court. An officer observed workers not using proper fall protection or safety equipment at a worksite on October 11, 2016. No one was injured.
Falls from heights can cause serious injuries or death, however they are easily prevented. To learn more about fall prevention, business owners and employees are encouraged to contact WorkSafe Saskatchewan or their industry safety association for recommendations on equipment and training.
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For more information, contact:
Jennifer Veri
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: jennifer.veri@gov.sk.ca