Incident on Fishing Boat Results in OHS Charges in Provincial Court

Service NL announced today that Harbour International Limited has been charged with alleged violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations following an incident which occurred in July 2011. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Branch.

The incident occurred on the vessel MV Aqviq while it was tied up at the wharf in Bay Roberts. Some frozen product fell as it was being lifted from the hold of the vessel and struck a worker in the head, resulting in serious injuries.

The company has been charged with six counts that allege generally that there was a failure to provide a safe workplace and that safe work procedures were not followed. The company is also facing charges that it allegedly did not provide instruction and supervision nor ensure head protection was worn. In addition, the company has been charged with a failure to notify the Occupational Health and Safety Division when such an incident took place.

The first appearance is scheduled for September 20, 2013, at Provincial Court in Harbour Grace.

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca 

2013 07 24             9:45 a.m.