Charges laid in relation to accident in Wabush

The Department of Government Services announced today that Wabush Iron Company Ltd. and their managing agent, Cliffs Mining Company, have been charged for alleged violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations in relation to an industrial accident two years ago.

One worker received injuries to his wrist, neck and knee when he fell from a work platform at Wabush Mines-Scully Mines on October 14, 2002. The charges are the result of an investigation into the incident by the Occupational Health and Safety Division.

Wabush Iron Company Ltd. has been charged with seven violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Cliffs Mining Company faces the same seven violations, as well as an additional charge related to its responsibilities as principal contractor.

The violations relate to the alleged failure of the companies to ensure that safety procedures are followed at the workplace; that workers are made familiar with health and safety hazards of the workplace; that an occupational health and safety program is established, and that equipment be thoroughly checked before use after it has been dismantled and reassembled.

The first court appearance is scheduled for January 20, 2005 at Wabush.

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-4860 or 690-6157

2004 10 27                   10:55 a.m.