BUHLER VERSATILE INC. CONVICTED AFTER WORKER SUFFERS SERIOUS INJURIES

Released on August 19, 2005

Buhler Versatile Inc., a Saskatoon firm, has plead guilty to a charge under the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Regulations following an incident in which a worker lost a hand and suffered serous arm injuries. A total of $19,500 in fines and victim fine surcharges was levied by the court.

On September 22nd, 2004, a 46-year-old press machine operator employed by Buhler Versatile suffered serious injuries when he was caught in a press.

Buhler Versatile Inc. was convicted under regulation 137 (failing to provide an effective safeguard) and fined $15,000 for the offences. The court levied an additional $4,500 in victim fine surcharges.

"It is critical that all workers and especially those operating machinery receive the information, training and supervision necessary to do their jobs safely, and that machinery also have effective safety guards," Occupational Health and Safety Workplace Safety Manager Bob Ross said. "These convictions send the message that there are repercussions for employers and workers who fail to comply with OH&S regulations."

The division will conduct over 4,500 workplace inspections and provide training to over 4,000 employer and worker representatives on their safety responsibilities this year.

Maximum penalties for an offence that causes the death or serious injury of a worker are $300,000 and two years in jail.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ross Labour Regina Phone: (306) 787-4134