Two Manitoba employers have been fined after workers were injured while on the job.
Manitoba Finance announced the prosecutions Tuesday surrounding Cobalt Industries Ltd. and J & R Excavating Ltd.
A worker for Portage la Prairie-based Cobalt Industries Ltd. was critically injured on November 3, 2017 when he fell approximately 54 feet to the ground while covering an opening on top of a flour bin. After a thorough investigation by Workplace Safety and Health officials, the employer was fined $52,000 and an additional $8,000 to be used for educating the public on occupational safety and health.
On September 19, 2017, a Brandon-based J & R Excavating Ltd. 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. After a thorough investigation by WSH officials, the employer was fined $17,500.
The province is reminding employers to ensure that workplaces are safe and workers are adequately trained to perform their duties.
