Company hit with hefty fine after worker falls onto septic tank

An incident that saw a worker fall onto a septic tank led to a big fine for a Saskatchewan company.

According to the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, Dunnigan Holdings Ltd. pleaded guilty to a violation of Saskatchewan’s occupational health and safety regulations in an Estevan courtroom in early April, leading to a $25,000 fine along with a $10,000 surcharge. One other charge was stayed.

The fine stemmed from an incident in June of 2021, when a worker near Alida suffered serious injuries after a fall onto a septic tank. According to the ministry, the company allowed an untrained worker to operate “powered mobile equipment,” resulting in the injury.

“Employers are required to provide safe and healthy workplaces, and must provide information, training and experience necessary for employers to perform their jobs safely,” the ministry said in a statement.