Charges laid in fatal industrial accident in Lewisporte

The Department of Government Services announced today that a Happy Valley-Goose Bay company has been charged with alleged violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations in relation to a fatal industrial accident in Lewisporte two years ago.

The accident occurred at the marine terminal wharf in Lewisporte on November 28, 2002, and resulted in the death of one worker, Eric Day, a 51-year-old resident of Stanhope. Mr. Day, an employee of Coastal Labrador Marine Services, drowned when the backhoe he was operating left the wharf surface and landed in the water.

The charges are the result of an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Branch of the Department of Government Services.

Coastal Labrador Marine Services, otherwise known as 10663 Newfoundland Limited, has been charged with 11 violations under the act and regulations relating generally to its alleged failure as an employer to provide a safe workplace and equipment for its employees, to provide reasonable instruction and supervision, and to implement an occupational health and safety program.

The first appearance is scheduled for January 2005 at Provincial Court in Gander.

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