A fish procesing company and one of its supervisors have been charged in connection with a 2010 mishap on the wharf in Harbour Grace that resulted in serious injuries to a fisherman from Upper Island Cove.
Service NL announced today (June 5) that Barry Group Inc. and a company supervisor have been charged with violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations in relation to the Aug. 13, 2010 incident.
The charges are the result of an investigation by the Occupational Health and Safety Branch.
Fisherman Randell Drover was struck and knocked over by a forklift while crab was being offloaded from his vessel.
The forklift was owned and operated by the Barry Group.
Drover suffered bleeds on the brain, a broken jawbone and a fractured skull. He also developed lung problems and was on life-support for 42 days.
The company has been charged with four violations under the act and regulations which relate generally to its alleged failure as an employer to ensure that mobile equipment was maintained in safe working order and to ensure that a safe workplace and equipment was provided and maintained.
In addition, the employer failed to ensure that persons not in its employ were not exposed to health and safety hazards.
The supervisor has been charged with knowingly permitting a worker to operate mobile equipment which could create an undue hazard to the health or safety of a person.
The first appearance for both is scheduled for June 19 at provincial court in Harbour Grace.
