Lawn mower slid into pond, trapped worker
The Town of Drayton Valley, Alta. Is required to pay a total of $325,000 for the workplace fatality of a summer student.
On Aug. 3, 2017, the student was cutting grass with a riding lawn mower around a pond. The lawn mower slid into the pond and flipped over, trapping the worker. The worker was fatally injured.
The Town of Drayton Valley pleaded guilty to section 12(d) of Alberta’s OHS Code, being an employer, failed to ensure that equipment, a John Deere riding lawnmower, was operated in accordance with the specifications of a professional engineer or with the manufacturer’s specifications, which state: “Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, embankments, or bodies of water”.
The town was fined $25,000 inclusive of the 15 per cent victim fine surcharge. In addition, it was ordered under OHS Act Section 75 to pay $300,000 in favour of the Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association. The Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association will use the funds to address gaps in current training for workers and supervisors involved in lawn maintenance. All other charges were withdrawn.
Source: Alberta Labour
