OHS Violation Results In Workplace Injury And Fines For Employer

Released on December 21, 2018

A Saskatoon company was fined $80,000 for contravening Occupational Health and Safety regulations in Saskatoon Provincial Court on December 10, 2018.

Prairie Crane Inc. pleaded guilty to contravening subsection 19(4) of the regulations (being an employer, fail to ensure that no worker is permitted to perform work unless the worker has been trained, and has sufficient experience, to perform the work safely and in compliance with the Act and the Regulations or is under close and competent supervision, resulting in the serious injury to a worker).

The company was fined $57,143 plus a surcharge of $22,857.  One additional charge was withdrawn.

Charges resulted from an incident that occurred on August 18, 2016 in Saskatoon.  A worker suffered serious injuries to his arm and pelvis when the scissor lift he was operating was struck by an overhead crane, knocking the lift to the ground.

Everyone is responsible for workplace health and safety.  Under The Saskatchewan Employment Act, employers must provide safe and healthy workplaces, including providing training, certification and supervision required for workers to do their jobs safely.

To report an incident to the Occupational Health and Safety Division, please call 1-800-567-SAFE (7233).

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For more information, contact:

Rikki Boté
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4156
Email: rikki.bote@gov.sk.ca