Service NL
July 23, 2015

OHS Charges Arise from Fatal Roadwork Incident

Service NL announced today that the Provincial Government’s Department of Transportation and Works has been charged with violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Branch of Service NL.

The charges arise from an incident that occurred on the Trans Canada Highway near the Flat Bay turnoff on July 23, 2013, which resulted in fatal injuries to an employee of the Department of Transportation and Works. Workers were preparing to paint a YIELD on the eastbound driving lane at the time of the incident.

The employer has been charged with eight counts that allege generally that there was a failure:

• to provide a safe workplace;
• to provide instruction and supervision;
• to ensure effective traffic control was provided; and
• to ensure an occupational health and safety program was implemented.

The first appearance for the accused is scheduled for September 21, 2015, at Provincial Court in Stephenville.

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Media contact:

Jason Card Director of Communications Service NL 709-729-4860, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca

2015 07 23                              2:05 p.m.