ASL PAVING LTD. CONVICTED FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY VIOLATION

Released on November 3, 2005

ASL Paving Ltd. of Regina has been convicted under provincial occupational health and safety legislation for failing to adequately train a worker. On a related matter, ASL was found not guilty of contributing to the death of another worker or of otherwise breaching its duty to ensure worker safety. A total of $3,250 in fines and victim fine surcharges was levied by the court.

On October 10th, 2003, Marvin Reeve, a 24-year-old employee was crushed between the rotating blades and heavy hood of a ground pulverizer. The employee had gone beneath the heavy hood to dislodge a rock that caught between the hood and the blades. When the rock was removed, the hood fell and killed the employee.

Following a trial in Regina Provincial Court, on November 2nd, 2004, ASL Paving was found guilty of failing to provide adequate training to a worker other than the deceased worker. However, the court concluded this failure did not contribute to the workplace fatality. All other charges against ASL were dismissed by the court.

"We investigate workplace fatalities and serious injuries as part of protecting the health and safety of Saskatchewan workers" Executive Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Division Allan Walker said. "In this particular case, the court concluded that the employer's actions did not contribute to the worker's death. However, the court also concluded that the employer did not provide adequate training for another worker as required by provincial law."

The OHS Division of Saskatchewan Labour investigates an average of 13 workplace fatalities each year.

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For More Information, Contact:

Allan Walker Labour Regina Phone: (306) 787-4481