KMS Construction Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to provide proper instructions and training
KMS Construction Ltd. has been fined $70,000 for a workplace incident that resulted in a serious injury to one of its workers. The Saskatchewan construction company pleaded guilty in Swift Current Provincial Court to a violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.
The incident happened on June 17, 2021, near Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, when a worker was forcibly ejected from a heavy-duty earthmoving machine, commonly known as a scraper buggy. The worker sustained severe injuries during the accident, prompting an investigation by the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.
The charges against KMS Construction Ltd. revolved around the violation of clause 3-1(c) of the regulations, specifically pertaining to an employer's responsibility to provide adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to ensure the health and safety of workers on the job. This violation resulted in the serious injuries suffered by the worker involved.
In response to these charges, the Swift Current Provincial Court imposed a substantial fine of $50,000 on the company, along with a surcharge of $20,000, bringing the total penalty to $70,000. Two additional charges were withdrawn as part of the legal proceedings.
The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety reiterated its commitment to promoting workplace safety and health by collaborating with employers and workers. The ministry employs various strategies, including education, inspections, and prosecutions, to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses.
KMS Construction Ltd. is now expected to take measures to rectify the issues identified in this incident and implement robust safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
