Required to contribute to UNB's certification program
The New Brunswick Department of Transport and Infrastructure (DTI) pleaded guilty to a charge under 10(b) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to take every reasonable precaution to ensure the health and safety of any person having access to a project site. As part of the sentencing, DTI is required to contribute $80,000 to the University of New Brunswick’s Workplace Health and Safety Officer Certification program for advancement, education and training in the prevention of workplace accidents.
In October 2016, a 104-year-old covered bridge in French Village, N.B., was undergoing repairs when a 13-tonne excavator dropped through the decking. The historic bridge was so severely damaged that the province determined it was beyond repair and took it down. The excavator operator was a contractor and he suffered no significant injuries.
The Crown and DTI submitted joint recommendations to the judge for sentencing, which were accepted. DTI was sentenced to a 30-day probation, with the following conditions:
• Submit its occupational health and safety program for audit by the New Brunswick Construction Safety Association (NBCSA).
• Apply for Certification of Recognition (COR) standard under the NBCSA.
• Conduct and submit findings of an internal audit to NBCSA for review.
• Submit a template to WorkSafeNB for a safe work plan procedure for bridge maintenance and construction.
This writeup originally appeared in the December 2018/January 2019 issue of COS.
