CANADA Saskatchewan Miner Death Leads to Safety Upgrades

Occupational health and safety charges have been laid against Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan and one of its supervisors in connection the workplace death of one of its miners. A first court appearance is scheduled for March 15 in Humboldt, east of Saskatoon.

According to The Canadian Press, the worker's widow said she and her four children are "relieved" that charges are being pursued by the province. "It's such a long process from the time my husband was killed at work until charges actually come out," she stated.

The 60-year old miner was driving a jeep-like vehicle underground at PotashCorp's Lanigan mine when the vehicle went over the edge of an unguarded ramp and rolled, according to Jennifer Fabian, director of safety services for the Occupational Health and Safety section within the province's Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour.

The workplace safety charges against PotashCorp include:

1. Failure of a supervisor to take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of a worker.

2. Failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all the company's workers.

3. Failing to ensure all work is sufficiently and competently supervised.

4. Failing to ensure a supervisor complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations.

5. Failing to ensure a direct supervisor recorded all significant information relevant to the health and safety of a worker.

The mine supervisor was charged with failing to take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of a worker who may be affected by his acts or omissions the ministry said.

The man’s widow said she wants the province to be more aggressive in its inspection of workplaces and enforcement of existing safety legislation. Fines levied by the courts for safety violations should be greater, she adds, noting that penalties at around the $20,000 level are "trivial" for companies with ample resources. That is no deterrent whatsoever, she added. (workersxzcompxzkit)

Safety officials said in the past three years the Lanigan mine recorded two deaths from mining accident. Prior to these deaths, the mine went 23 years without a fatality

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