Two Manitoba employers fined for critical injuries to workers

Portage la Prairie-based Cobalt Industries Ltd. was fined $52,000 and an additional $8,000 to be used for educating the public on occupational safety and health resulting from critical injuries to one of its workers.

On Nov. 3, 2017, a worker was covering an opening located at the top of a flour bin and fell approximately 54 feet to the ground below, suffering critical injuries. The fines were handed down after a thorough investigation by Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) officials, in relation to violations under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

Cobalt Industries Ltd. is a welding and fabrication business focusing on manufacturing, food and agriculture industries.

Also, Brandon-based J & R Excavating Ltd. was fined $17,500 for a Nov. 19, 2017 incident.

A worker was attempting to free a gravel truck and trailer, which were stuck at a gravel pit located near Pierson. As the worker was attaching a tow chain to the front of the truck, a second worker operating an excavator began to push the trailer. The worker’s jacket sleeve became entangled in the wheel of the truck causing critical injuries.

J & R Excavating Ltd. performs a variety of heavy construction work including basement excavations, utility excavations and road work.

Manitoba Finance reminded employers to ensure that workplaces are safe and workers are adequately trained to perform their duties after the employers were prosecuted.

This follows convictions to three Manitoba firms for violations under workplace safety regulations.

Previously, three firms in British Columbia were fined a total of $55,000 for the lack of fall protection for workers.