Steelfab Industries Limited sentenced for violation of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

Steelfab Industries of Paradise has been fined $2,000, and ordered to publish a series of newspaper advertisements relating to the requirements for fall protection systems, after entering a guilty plea to a charge under the province's Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. 

Charges were laid against the company in November 2000, resulting from an investigation into unsafe work practices during the renovation of a St. John's business. The company pled guilty to failing to ensure that fall protection systems were being utilized by all employees working at an elevation of greater than 3.05 metres. 

Labour Minister Anna Thistle stated this was the first time the new, �creative sentencing' provision of the Occupational Health and Safety Act has been utilized. "The fact that the courts, in addition to imposing a fine, can also order a company to publish information relating to their offence should not only serve as a deterrent to other companies, but also complement the department's effort to raise awareness in the community regarding specific requirements of legislation," added the minister. "Health and safety in the province's workplaces has to be a top priority for all of us."

"Ultimately, the goal of the Department of Labour is to reduce accidents and injuries by working closely with our partners in industry and labour to increase awareness of the importance of safe work practices and ensure regulatory compliance," she said.

Media Contact: Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-1741.

2001 03 14                                         2:30 p.m.