Companies fined after worker injuries

A pair of Saskatchewan companies faced hefty fines after worker injuries in September of 2021. 

In Moosomin Provincial Court , Nutrien Ltd. pleaded guilty to a violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, specifically clause 9-13 (1)(a). 

That clause deals with ensuring “any opening or hole in a floor or other work surface into which a worker could step or fall is covered with a securely installed covering that is capable of supporting a load of 360 kilograms per square metre and that is provided with a warning sign or permanent marking clearly indicating the nature of the hazard, resulting in the serious injury of a worker.”

Nutrien was fined $142,857.14 with a surcharge of $57,142.86 for a total amount of $200,000. 

Another charge before the court was withdrawn.

The Rocanville mine is Nutrien’s largest site, employing around 900 people and producing 20,000 tonnes of potash per day.

Back on Sept. 20, 2021, a worker was seriously injured at the Rocanville mine after stepping on an unguarded floor opening. 

A Waldron-area company that sells and rents pre-owned agriculture equipment also received heavy fines after violating OH&S Regulations.

Agrow Canada Ltd. was fined $32,857.14 plus a $13,142.86 surcharge (for a total of $46,000) after entering a guilty plea in Melville Provincial Court on Dec. 18. 

The action stems from an incident on Sept. 30, 2021 after an employee stepped on an energized auger and was seriously injured as a result. 

Agrow was fined for failing to ensure a required safeguard was in place at all times. 

The small company is based on an approximately 43,000 acre farm offering an inventory of equipment and implements.

This story was originally published in The World-Spectator. It is republished under a Creative Commons license as part of the Local Journalism Initiative.