Iqaluit, NU (May 8, 2020) – On May 1, 2020 the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission filed five charges in the Nunavut Court of Justice under the Nunavut Safety Act.
The Municipality of Qikiqtarjuaq is charged with multiple counts alleging various offences in violation of the Safety Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (Nunavut), including:
- operating an aerial device lifting unit in contravention to a Stop Use Order;
- operating an aerial device lifting unit which had not been maintained and inspected by competent individuals;
- operating an aerial device lifting unit which did not have a maintenance and inspection record attached to the operator’s station indicating the required maintenance had been carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications;
- failing to adequately train workers in the selection, care, and use of fall protection equipment prior to use; and
- failing to ensure that all compressed gas cylinders are used, stored, and maintained in such a way as to protect the item from damage.
The charges arose between the 15th and 16th of May, 2019 at an inspection of a Municipality of Qikiqtarjuaq worksite, in the Nunavut Territory, where it was observed that a Stop Use Order on an aerial device lifting unit was being disregarded by workers.
The WSCC reminds all employers that their legislated worksite responsibilities include ensuring all workers and supervisors receive training, instruction and supervision necessary to ensure the safety of workers and the worksite; and ensuring that any machinery at the worksite has the sufficient safety measures in place to prevent incident and injury.
The first court appearance in this matter is scheduled in Qikiqtarjuaq docket court for October 7, 2020.
Maggie Collins
Manager, Communications
T: (867) 920-3854
Note:
1. This matter is now before the courts, so additional information available for release is limited.
2. The Safety Act, section 11, outlines requirements for confidentiality relating to what personal information the WSCC can release. The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act also states what personal information government bodies are permitted to release. Under these Acts, the WSCC is unable to disclose personal information or information that could reasonably identify an individual.