Released on March 9, 2017
A supervisor with SaskPower was found guilty and fined $28,000 after a workplace death.On March 1, 2017, Kelvin Rowlett was found guilty of two counts under The Saskatchewan Employment Act. Sentencing took place on March 8, 2017, in Melfort Provincial Court.
Rowlett was charged with:
- contravening clause 3-9(a): being a supervisor, fail to ensure, insofar as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of all workers who worked under the supervisor’s direct supervision and direction, by failing to follow the SaskPower Safety Rule Book procedure to review and revise the job hazard identification and risk assessment if job conditions change, resulting in the death of a worker; and
- clause 3-9(a): being a supervisor, fail to ensure, insofar as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety at work of all workers who worked under the supervisor’s direct supervision and direction, by failing to ensure a jumper cable was used prior to the cutting of an energized shield wire, resulting in the death of a worker.
Charges stem from a December 20, 2014, incident near Wakaw. A worker was electrocuted while repairing a high-voltage transmission line.
Supervisors are required to understand and follow health and safety requirements under OHS legislation and ensure the health and safety of workers under their direct supervision and direction.
For more information about responsibility for workplace health and safety, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/business/safety-in-the-workplace.
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For more information, contact:
David Horth
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926
Email: david.horth@gov.sk.ca