Employee's supervisor was also found at fault for tragic incident
Construction company Triple J Aggregates has been fined approximately $80,000 by the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial court following a thorough investigation into the tragic workplace incident in September 2020.
The company faced 11 charges related to occupational health and safety following the death of the 61-year-old worker in a quarry near St. John's, who lost his life after being pulled into a rock crusher that he was operating. He was with the Conception Bay South company for 15 years.
Of these charges, Triple J Aggregates was convicted of two workplace offences, resulting in the total fine of $80,000. The court has mandated that this sum must be paid within one year.
In addition, supervisor Bill Weir was found guilty of failing to ensure the safety of the worker under his management. He has been ordered to pay a fine of approximately $4,000 within 90 days.
The fines were handed down by Chief Judge Robin Fowler. However, the remaining nine charges against the Triple J Aggregates were subsequently withdrawn.
The court's decision to impose these fines underscore the severe repercussions of failing to comply with health and safety standards. It not only puts workers at risk but also subjects companies and supervisors to substantial legal penalties.
