Two companies and an individual have been charged with violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations arising from an incident that occurred on June 19, 2017. The charges are the result of an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Division of Service NL.

The incident, which resulted in fatal injuries to two employees, occurred near Come by Chance on the transmission line being constructed between Bay d’Espoir and Western Avalon. The transmission tower they were in the process of erecting fell to the ground.

The employer, Forbes Bros. Ltd., has been charged with seven violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations which relate to its alleged failure to:

1. Ensure the health and safety of its workers;
2. Provide the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision to its workers;
3. Ensure its workers and supervisors were made aware of the hazards;
4. Protect those not in their employ;
5. Include written work procedures appropriate to the hazards in its OHS Program;
6. Ensure work procedures promoted the safe interaction of workers and their work environment; and
7. Ensure written rescue procedures were implemented.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, the principal contractor, was charged with one count that alleges it failed to ensure that an employer and workers comply with the OHS Act and Regulations.

A Forbes Bros. Ltd. supervisor was charged with one count that alleges he failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all workers under his supervision.

The first appearance is scheduled for July 4, 2019, at Provincial Court in Clarenville.

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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca