Auto Shop Faces Occupational Health and Safety Charges in Provincial Court

The Department of Government Services announced today that ERL Enterprises Limited and a company supervisor have been charged with violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations in relation to an industrial accident that occurred in September 2010. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Branch.

The incident occurred at the auto repair shop premises on Blackmarsh Road in St. John’s and involved a worker who was pinned beneath a vehicle which was being repaired. The worker suffered serious injuries to his back and ribs.

The company has been charged with three violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. These violations relate generally to its alleged failure as an employer to provide the necessary information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities to ensure safety, to establish and maintain an Occupational Health and Safety program, and to ensure that safe work procedures are followed.

A supervisor with ERL Enterprises has also been charged with an alleged failure to provide proper oral or written instructions regarding the precautions necessary to protect workers.

The first appearance for both the company and the supervisor is scheduled for August 8, 2011 at Provincial Court in St. John’s.

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Media contact:
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Department of Government Services
709-729-4860, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca

2011 08 02                                                                            11:35 a.m.