Company found guilty of two occupational health and safety violations
In a recent ruling at a Saskatchewan Provincial Court in Weyburn, Rebel Drilling Ltd. was found guilty of violating two counts under The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996. The company faced charges for failure to adhere to safety standards, resulting in the serious injury of a worker. The court imposed fines totaling $56,000 for the two violations.
The incident at the center of these charges occurred on January 20, 2021, in Weyburn. A worker was attempting to back a tracked geotechnical drilling rig through a shop door when the accident took place, leaving them with significant injuries.
The first charge against Rebel Drilling Ltd. pertained to their failure to provide necessary information, instruction, training, and supervision to ensure the health and safety of workers at their place of employment, as mandated by clause 12(c) of the regulations. As a consequence, a worker sustained severe injuries. The court fined the company $20,000, with an additional surcharge of $8,000.
Furthermore, Rebel Drilling Ltd. was penalized for contravening subsection 154(2) of the regulations, which requires employers to ensure that only trained operators are authorized to operate powered mobile equipment. In this instance, the company's negligence resulted in another worker suffering a serious injury. They were fined $20,000, accompanied by an $8,000 surcharge.
In support of safer workplaces, the Labour Relations and Workplace Safety department, in collaboration with the Workers' Compensation Board, actively promotes Mission: Zero. This initiative aims to achieve zero workplace injuries, zero fatalities, and zero suffering.
Rebel Drilling Ltd. now faces the consequences of their negligence, as the court ruling holds them accountable for their failure to ensure the well-being of their workers.
The fines imposed serve as a reminder to all companies of the paramount importance of upholding and enforcing occupational health and safety regulations.
