Service NL
May 6, 2016
OHS Charges Arise Involving Hazardous Workplace
The Eastern Regional Health Authority, a supervisor, and two workers have been charged with violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Asbestos Abatement Regulations in relation to an incident that occurred in May of 2014. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Branch of Service NL.
The incident occurred at the Miller Centre in St. John’s and allegedly involved maintenance work in an area where asbestos was known to be present.
The health authority has been charged with 10 violations under the OHS Act and the Asbestos Abatement Regulations which relate generally to its alleged failure as an employer:
- To provide effective instruction, training and supervision;
- To ensure a decontamination area was set up;
- To provide ventilation and appropriate respirators during the work; and
- To work in compliance with the work practices and hygiene practices found in the regulations.
The supervisor has been charged with four violations under the act and regulations that allege failures:
- To advise workers of the hazards that may be met;
- To provide instructions as to precautions to be taken; and
- To ensure that protective equipment and apparel were used or worn.
Two workers were each charged with a violation that alleges a failure to take reasonable care to protect their own health and safety and that of other workers at the workplace, while one of these workers was also charged with a failure to use equipment that was provided for his protection.
The first appearance for all accused is scheduled for May 19, 2016, at Provincial Court in St. John’s.
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Media contact:
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca
2016 05 06 11:55 a.m.