$145,000 fine for Kelowna orchardist previously involved in tractor death
A Kelowna company that grows, processes and exports cherries was fined last year following a fatal tractor incident has again been fined after a tractor driver was seriously injured.
According to a recently published Feb. 6 WorkSafeBC penalty notice, Jealous Fruits was issued the $145,000 fine following the incident that took place at an orchard in Monte Creek.
The orchard worker was driving a tractor which was towing a spraying device when it began to slip down a steep slope.
"The worker jumped out of the tractor and sustained serious injuries," the penalty notice says.
A WorkSafeBC investigation found that the tractor driver hadn't been trained correctly or adequately supervised "when choosing the equipment or performing the work."
The fine comes a year after an orchard worker was killed after being pinned underneath a tractor while working at Jealous Fruits orchard in Lavington.
That incident took place in October 2022 with WorkSafeBC issuing a $7,181 fine more than a year later.
After the worker's death in Lavington, WorkSafeBC found the rollover protective structure was not engaged at the time and the seat belt didn't work.
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WorkSafeBC doesn't say when the Monte Creek incident took place or give any indication of the tractor driver's recovery or health.
"The firm failed to provide its workers with information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to ensure their health and safety," the penalty notice says.
WorkSafeBC says this was a repeated violation for the company and fined $145,441.
No other information is given in the notice.
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