The Department of Government Services announced today that Wabush Mines has been sentenced upon pleading guilty to violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The case arose as the result of an investigation by the OHS Branch into an industrial accident which occurred at the site on November 18, 2004. At the time, Wabush Mines was a joint venture of Stelco Inc., Wabush Resources Incorporated, Wabush Iron Co. Ltd., and Cliff�s Mining Company, Managing Agent.

The accident occurred when a concentrator attendant suffered an electrical shock of approximately 30,000 volts (DC) while carrying out assigned duties. All sources of power to the equipment had not been eliminated prior to the worker beginning her task. As a result, the worker suffered a variety of symptoms including minor burns to one hand and both feet. The investigation resulted in three charges against the company under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The case was dealt with in Provincial Court in Wabush on September 26, 2007. A plea agreement resulted in the company pleading guilty to the three charges with fines of $4,000 for each charge. The charges relate generally to the failure of the company to provide and maintain a workplace and the necessary equipment that is safe and without risk to workers; to provide the information, instruction, supervision and facilities necessary to ensure the health and safety of workers, and; to ensure that its workers were made familiar with the hazards that may be met by them at the workplace. A court order further requires the company to make a contribution of $3,500 towards public education in the field of Occupational Health and Safety.

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