Charges laid resulting from fatal accident in Bay Bulls

The Department of Government Services announced today that a company has been charged with violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations in relation to an occupational diving accident that occurred in August of 2004.

The accident occurred in the waters of Bay Bulls harbour and resulted in fatal injuries to one worker. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Branch.

Atlantic Fisheries Limited has been charged with seven violations under the act and regulations which relate generally to its failure as an employer to ensure that its workers were made familiar with the hazards that may be met by them at the workplace, and to ensure the diving operation was conducted in accordance with the requirements of the related Canadian Standards Association code, i.e. the Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations.

The first appearance is scheduled for December 8 at Provincial Court in St. John�s.

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-4860, 682-6593

2005 12 05                   9:05 a.m.