Released on July 13, 2017
An Edmonton, Alberta company pleaded guilty to one violation of occupational health and safety regulations.Prairie Mines & Royalty ULC, operating as Westmoreland Coal Company, pleaded guilty to contravening clause 12(a) of the regulations (being an employer at a place of employment failed in the provision and maintenance of plant, system of work and working environments that ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare at work of the employer’s workers, resulting in a serious injury to a worker).
The company was fined $85,714.29 plus a surcharge of $34,285.71 in Estevan Provincial Court on July 10.
Charges stem from an incident that occurred on August 10, 2015, near Estevan. A worker suffered serious injuries after tripping on a footrest inside the cabin of a dragline excavator and falling approximately 20 feet.While everyone is responsible to create and maintain a safe and healthy workplace, employers carry the greatest responsibility because of their authority and control over the worksite. The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety works to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses through education, inspection, and prosecutions.
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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