Blog Post #678 – Fatality Spurs Charges

Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine

More than a dozen workplace safety charges have been laid in connection with the fatality of an employee of a Yukon tire company, who was killed when the truck he was working on backed over him.

On November 15, 2011, 34-year-old Denis Chabot from Sherbrooke, Quebec was servicing a fuel truck in Whitehorse and had been putting slits in its tri-axle tires to provide better traction on ice and snow. After informing his supervisor that the truck was ready for pick-up, the driver climbed onto the idling vehicle and drove away when Chabot was still underneath the truck.

Following an investigation by the Yukon Worker’s Compensation Health and Safety Board, spokesperson Richard Mastyn in Whitehorse confirms that both Integra Tire (Chabot’s employer) and North 60, which owns the fuel truck, were charged with a total of 14 occupational health and safety infractions.

On November 6, 2013, Integra Tire was charged with, among others, failing to control the truck when a worker could be injured by an unexpected start-up or when it was shut down and failing to stop or immobilize machinery or equipment that may endanger a worker. The company was also charged with failing to develop safe and effective lockout procedures and effectively explain those procedures to their workers.

Charges have also been laid against North 60 Petro and its employees, which include two supervisors, a general manager and a worker.

My opinion

The readership knows my position on safe operating procedures. Ontario goes one step further by expecting a properly supervised operation. Here we have a supervisor not knowing all the associated hazards and placed his employee in danger and at risk.

Always remember your workers are your best resource. Take care of them and they will take care of you.

Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at 

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.

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