Report from the OH&S Canada magazine (Spring 2022)
A Saskatchewan court has fined a contracting company $70,000 after a worker was injured while loading concrete forms.
On March 09, 2022, Ryderz Contracting Inc. pleaded guilty in Saskatchewan Provincial Court to one violation of occupational health and safety regulations.
The company pleaded guilty to contravening subsection 129 (a) of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996 (being an employer, contractor or owner, fail to ensure that material or equipment is placed, stacked or stored so as to constitute a hazard to workers, resulting in the serious injury of a worker)
The charge stemmed from a workplace incident that occurred on April 21, 2020, at a worksite in Saskatoon. While loading concrete forms, the form cage tipped over and injured the worker.
As a result of this violation, the Court imposed a fined of $50,000, along with a surcharge of $20,000 for a total amount of $70,000.
My opinion
The province of Saskatchewan has had a pretty good safety record over the years. I would suggest that Ryderz Contracting Inc. hire a health and safety professional to better understand the employer responsibilities under health and safety law. It may have saved their worker from the injury and kept the safety ministry from knocking at their door.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.