Counterbalance fell on two employees working with excavator
Finning International has been charged by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety after a worker died on the job nearly two years ago.
Emergency services were called to Finning Canada facility in west Edmonton on March 31, 2021. Two workers at the company were trying to remove a counterweight from an excavator and while unscrewing the last of six bolts the counterweight fell on the workers, killing one and seriously hurting the other.
CBC News reports Finning Canada had previously said both men were in the 40’s.
Finning international is facing a total of five charges. It is accused of failing to implement, enforce and/or monitor the use of information as set out in a safety letter. It also allegedly failed to ensure the workers were familiar with the necessary procedures, didn’t maintain the counterbalance appropriately, and didn’t take all reasonable steps to ensure the workers wouldn’t be hurt by moving the equipment.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
Finning International sent a statement to CBC News saying it is not able to comment until after court proceedings are complete.
