Supervisor also charged for failure to ensure safety of workers
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Forbes Bros. have been charged with several violations of the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. The charges stem from an incident on June 19, 2019, that resulted in the death of two employees.
The incident occurred near Come by Chance on the transmission line being constructed between Bay d’Espoir and Western Avalon. The workers were in the process of erecting a transmission tower when it fell to the ground.
According to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the employer, Forbes Bros., has been charged with seven violations under the OHS act and regulations which relate to its alleged failure to: ensure the health and safety of its workers; provide the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to its workers; ensure its workers and supervisors were made aware of the hazards; protect those not in their employ; include written work procedures appropriate to the hazards in its OHS program; ensure work procedures promoted the safe interaction of workers and their work environment; and ensure written rescue procedures were implemented.
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, the principal contractor, was charged with one count that alleges it failed to ensure that an employer and workers comply with the OHS act and regulations.
A Forbes Bros. supervisor was charged with one count that alleges he failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all workers under his supervision.
