Occupational Health and Safety Charges Laid Against Fish Processor and Supervisor

Service NL announced today that Barry Group Inc. and a company supervisor have been charged with violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations in relation to an incident that occurred in August 2010. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Branch.

The incident occurred at the wharf in Harbour Grace and involved a worker who was struck by a forklift owned and operated by the Barry Group.

The company has been charged with four violations under the act and regulations which relate generally to its alleged failure as an employer to ensure that mobile equipment was maintained in safe working order and to ensure that a safe workplace and equipment was provided and maintained. In addition, the employer failed to ensure that the undertaking was conducted so that persons not in its employ were not exposed to health and safety hazards.

The supervisor has been charged with knowingly permitting a worker to operate mobile equipment which could create an undue hazard to the health or safety of a person.

The first appearance for both is scheduled for June 19, 2012 at Provincial Court in Harbour Grace.

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

2012 06 05             10:25 a.m.