Local Lumber Yard Fined $56,000 For OH and S Violation

Using a forklift to move a heavy object is OK.

Attempting to unload a heavy printing press without following the appropriate safety rules and regulations is not.

It ended up seriously injuring an individual and costing the owner of the forklift a $56,000 fine.

The press laying on the ground after the incident and the investigation was on-going - submitted photo

On September 13th Ray Donn Toews Building Materials Ltd. - commonly known as Castle Lumber locally - plead guilty in Moose Jaw Provincial Court to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 (OHS Act).

Ray Donn Toews Building Materials was fined $40,000 plus a $16,000 victims surcharge resulting in a total fine of $56,000 under clause 3-1(b) of the OHS Act.

Clause 3-1(b) of the OHS Act regulations refer to being an employer, fail to comply with the duties of an employer at a place of employment including arrangements for the use, handling, storage and transport of articles and substances in a manner that protects the health and safety of workers, resulting in the serious injury of a worker.

Two other charges were withdrawn as a result of the guilty plea.

The charges relate to a September 9, 2021 incident that happened at the now defunct Grand Valley Press when they requested Ray Donn Toews Building Materials to attend their place of business to move a heavy printing press from the back of a half ton truck.

During the lift the press slipped and a worker from Grand Valley Press reached over in a failed attempt to hold up the heavy printing press.

The press slipped and subsequently fell on the worker causing serious injuries.