CORNER BROOK — An industrial accident that resulted in an employee losing a finger has led to occupational health and safety charges against a Corner Brook company and one of its supervisors.
The accident happened at the Atlantic Minerals Ltd. facility in the Brake’s Cove area of Corner Brook on June 7, 2011.
According to a press release issued by Service NL on Monday, a worker’s right hand was crushed when the press portion of a concrete block machine activated unexpectedly. The victim’s hand injuries resulted in the surgical amputation of one finger.
As a result of an investigation into the incident, the company has been charged with five violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. The offences relate generally to the alleged failure, as an employer, to provide a safe workplace and to ensure that machine maintenance was done according to manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, the employer is accused of failing to ensure that machinery was guarded to prevent access and that machinery was locked out to prevent injury due to unexpected startup.
The supervisor is alleged to have generally failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all workers under his supervision.
The company and the supervisor made their first appearances in provincial court on Jan. 22 and the matters have been set over until Feb. 19.
