A Nova Scotia wind farm operator has been fined $95,000 in the deaths of two young people from carbon monoxide poisoning two years ago.
Rotor Mechanical Service Ltd. of Mount Thom was charged after the bodies of Kyle Elliott, 22, of Brentwood and Mandi Balagot, 18, of Hilden were found in a company maintenance shed in July 2009.
Elliott was a security guard at the site and Balagot was a visitor. They were overcome by fumes from an improperly installed electrical generator in the shed.
Judge Del Atwood said in Pictou provincial court that the $95,000 fine was the largest ever given under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
But Balagot’s mother, Kathy Legere, wasn’t happy with the penalty.
"I get to visit her gravesite daily for something that they did and what they took away from us," a sobbing Legere told CTV News outside court.
Rotor Mechanical president Reuben Burge didn’t want to discuss the fine when reached by cellphone early Wednesday evening.
"It’s an unfortunate incident that has been resolved this way," Burge said.
"Kyle was a good friend and a great employee and that’s how I feel about it. Families have to deal with this, and I do too."
Rotor Mechanical pleaded guilty to three charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The company admitted to failing to ensure the generator was installed and operated to the manufacturer’s recommendations and failing to ensure the health and safety of the two people.
Initially, Burge, RMS Energy — another company he operates — and two other employees were all charged in the deaths, but only Rotor Mechanical was convicted.
1 comment:
Definitely make sure you read the health and safety act before starting a new job.
Post a Comment