Firms fined over health and safety violations

Two Saskatchewan companies pleaded guilty to separate occupational health and safety violations last week in provincial court.

Hilltop Construction Ltd. of Balgonie pleaded guilty in Regina provincial court Sept. 6 to failing to ensure workers were using a fall protection system in a work area where a worker could fall three or more metres. The company was fined $1,250 plus a $500 surcharge. One additional charge was stayed.

The charge resulted from a work site inspection that took place Nov. 18. An occupational health officer saw workers not using fall protection or personal protective equipment. No one was injured in the incident.

In an unrelated matter, Graham G. Lamb of Canora, pleaded guilty in Canora provincial court Sept. 7 to failing to ensure workers were wearing approved industrial headgear and failing to ensure workers were using a fall protection system in a work area where a worker could fall three or more metres.

Lamb was fined $1,000 plus a $400 surcharge on each count for a total of $2,800. One additional charge was stayed.

The charges resulted from a work site inspection in June 15, 2016. An occupational health officer saw workers not using proper personal protective equipment. No one was injured in the incident.

According to the Workers Compensation Board, 15 people have died as a result of residential and commercial construction injuries in the past five years.