Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine
Two fall protection violations have netted an employer in Saskatchewan a $580 fine.
Cory Luthi, operating as Cory Luthi Construction, was fined on August 20, 2013 after pleading guilty to failing to ensure that workers used a fall protection system at a work area where they could fall 3 m or more, and failing to provide and/or require workers to use appropriate protective headwear.
The charges followed a workplace inspection on August 17, 2011, when a safety officer observed three workers violating fall protection regulations, a statement from the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety reports.
Fatalities and injuries in the construction sector continue to be among the highest of any industry in Saskatchewan, with falls representing more than 12% of all injuries reported. Provincial workers’ compensation board claims in the construction industry from 2008 to 2012 include 21 fatalities and more than 5600 time-loss injuries.
My opinion
Fall protection issues are a real concern in every province and, except for Alberta, most provinces have worked hard to reduce injuries and death in the construction sector. The fines seem insignificant in comparison to the possible cost of fatal injuries or critical injuries but at least it’s a start in the right direction.
As a health and safety professional, I have observed, over the past six or seven years, that Saskatchewan seems to be working very hard to reduce injuries in the workplace. Some of the more populated provinces continue to lead the way but I have been impressed by Saskatchewan and I am not sure who is directing the changes but I would sure like to find out and thank him/her personally from this blog. I think he/she needs to be recognized for their valiant and hard-working effort.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place. If safety is not a priority in your workplace make it so and you will be rewarded both financially and through respect from your province’s Ministry of Labour. (MOL) A culture change towards safety does not have to be expensive but it can be if safety is ignored.
By the way, this is my 730 Blog Post in exactly 6 years. It has been a long haul and I wanted to report, to the readership, that I expect to continue to my march to workplace safety at or near the same pace.
Keep reading!
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 ‘Fall Protection’ and Working at Heights’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.