Worker loses hands; company faces $20,000 fines
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After an employee had to have both hands amputated, a Saskatchewan farm is facing $20,000 in fines.
In January of 2015, an employee working for Echo Lake Farms Ltd., located in the RM of Barrier Valley 397 lost both hands after a post-pounder made contact with overhead power lines. The incident occurred near Archerwill.
Echo Lake Farms Ltd. was fined $14,285.72 plus a surcharge of $5,714.28, after pleading guilty to violations of occupational health and safety regulations in a Wynyard courtroom on July 24. According to the court, the company failed to ensure no worker or equipment, or powered mobile equipment is used or operated within a minimum distance away from exposed energized electrical conductors.
OHS recommends workers be aware and take time to make themselves familiar with when working near overhead powerlines and their surroundings. If there is a downed powerline workers are urged to contact SaskPower immediately; it is recommended to stay at least 33 feet away from any downed lines.
