Iqaluit, NU (January 30, 2017) – On January 27, 2017 the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission filed charges in the Nunavut Court of Justice under the Nunavut Safety Act.
The multiple counts allege various offences of the Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, including failure to maintain an establishment in such a manner as to ensure the health and safety of persons, in accordance with section 4(1)(a) of the Safety Act.
The employer, a supervisor, and a worker were charged. Specifically: the City of Iqaluit; Supervisor, Keith Baines; and worker, Ben Kovic Jr.
The alleged breaches stem from an incident in which a worker was injured at the Iqaluit landfill on April 18, 2016 when a garbage truck drove over him.
The WSCC reminds all employers that their worksite responsibilities include providing a safe workplace and providing information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to protect the health and safety of workers. At all times, employers must ensure that workers under their supervision comply with the Safety Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. Workers are also reminded of their responsibility to ensure their own safety, and the safety of other persons on the worksite, as part of the Internal Responsibility System.
The first court appearance in this matter is scheduled for March 6, 2017 in Iqaluit, Nunavut.
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Kim Walker
Manager, Communications
T: (867) 920-3846
TF: (800) 661-0792
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.