September 25, 1998
(Environment and Labour)

Jamac Painting and Sandblasting receive heavy fines for violations of 
Occupational Health and Safety legislation

Jamac Painting and Sandblasting Limited, as well as William Coggan, an employee of the company, have received heavy fines and penalties for failure to comply with the province's occupational health and safety legislation.

The incident occurred in Curling in October 1996 when an employee fell from a swing stage while working at the top of a fuel storage tank. The employee died in hospital the following month as a result of his injuries. The company involved, Jamac Painting and Sandblasting Ltd of Saint John, New Brunswick, as well as their representative on site, William Coggan, were individually charged on July 31, 1997 with violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

On April 6, 1998, Jamac Painting and Sandblasting Limited pleaded guilty to three offences and was sentenced to a cumulative fine of $50,000. With the exception of Ontario, this is the highest fine levied against a corporation for violation of provincial occupational health and safety legislation anywhere in Canada. On September 18, 1998, William Coggan, who also pleaded guilty, was sentenced to a fine of $1,500 with one year probation and 100 hours of community service. This is the highest fine ever imposed in Canada on an employee not classified as a supervisor for similar violations.

The Minister of Environment and Labour, Oliver Langdon, said that the outcome of this case sends a strong message with regard to the critical importance of health and safety in this province. "It is incumbent upon employers, employees and their collective representatives to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. My department will continue to work with all stakeholders to improve health and safety in the workplace," said Minister Langdon. "However, failure to comply with the province's health and safety legislation will mean prosecution."

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Director of Communications, (709) 729-2575.

1998 09 25                                                                                        12:25 p.m.