Bourgault Industries Ltd., operating as Highline Manufacturing Ltd., has been fined $65,000 after pleading guilty to a violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020. The plea was entered in Saskatoon Provincial Court on July 22, 2024.
The company was found to have contravened clause 3-1 (a) of the regulations, which mandates that employers must provide and maintain a safe working environment. This failure resulted in a serious injury to a worker. The incident in question occurred on June 22, 2022, in Vonda, Saskatchewan, when an employee was severely injured while flushing a highly flammable solvent through an electrostatic paint gun.
In addition to the $46,428.57 fine, the court imposed an $18,571.43 surcharge, bringing the total penalty to $65,000. Two other charges related to the incident were withdrawn.
This case highlights the critical importance of adhering to occupational health and safety standards to protect workers from harm. The ruling serves as a reminder to employers about their responsibilities in maintaining a safe workplace.