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February 04, 2017 - 9:30 AM
LUMBY - A logging company was slapped with a fine after three workers were struck by a tree near Lumby.
WorkSafe B.C. issued a fine of just over $13,000 to Peto Contracting Ltd., in relation to the incident.
According to WorkSafe, the company was working on a steep cutblock when one of the employees felled a tree without checking to see where it landed. The worker then felled a second tree, which hit an elevated portion of skyline cable and dislodged the first tree.
“The tree rolled down the slope, striking and injuring all three workers,” WorkSafe says.
The penalty, which is posted on WorkSafe B.C.’s website, was issued on Sept. 28, 2016. It doesn’t provide a date for the incident, however WorkSafe B.C., Vernon Search and Rescue and emergency crews responded to a call involving three workers employed by Peto Contracting Ltd. back in April 2015. The incident occurred in a remote area east of Lumby and one of the injured workers had to be airlifted from the location by helicopter. The extent of his injuries were not released.
In relation to the fine, WorkSafe says the company committed multiple high-risk violations including failing to ensure its workers were qualified to fall trees, failing to use proper falling procedures, failing to ensure workers maintained a two tree-length radius from the tree being felled, and failing to prohibit a tree from being felled if it could hit a stationary or running line of equipment.
“It also failed to provide its workers with the information, instruction, training, and supervision needed to ensure their own and other workers' health and safety,” WorkSafe said.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017