May 19, 2023
Employer Prosecuted for Workplace Incident
Manitoba Labour and Immigration is reminding employers to ensure workers are made aware of hazards they could encounter while performing work after an employer was prosecuted under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
On July 25, 2020, workers employed by MacDougall Steel Erectors Inc. were working at a processing plate in the Rural Municipality of Rosser, attempting to erect a steel column as part of the framing for a canola press. The workers’ use of a pallet jack and the assistance of a telehandler failed to secure a column they were attempting to raise, resulting in serious injuries to a worker's foot.
Officials from Workplace Safety and Health conducted a thorough investigation and laid charges under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. On May 8, 2023, MacDougall Steel Erectors Inc. pleaded guilty to Section 4(2)(c) of the act for failing to ensure that all workers, and particularly supervisors, were acquainted with safety hazards that workers could encounter in the course of their service. A fine of $45,000 was imposed on MacDougall Steel Erectors Inc. by the court.
More information can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/labour/safety/compliance.html.
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