The Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) has laid five charges against the operator of Fort Resolution’s Northern store over alleged safety breaches.
WSCC inspectors discovered a range of failings relating to hazardous substances at the store, the commission said in a news release on Tuesday.
The North West Company, which owns the store, will face those charges in the community of Fort Resolution on Thursday.
In particular, the WSCC alleges:
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- staff performing repairs were not necessarily trained to deal with substances like asbestos and mould;
- supervisors did not always know how to work with hazardous substances, including the use of protective equipment;
- supervisors did not have sufficient knowledge of the relevant regulations;
- a written record of all materials at a worksite was not kept; and
- safe work procedures and processes were not fully developed and implemented.
“The WSCC reminds all employers that their legislated workplace responsibilities include ensuring all workers and supervisors receive training and instruction necessary to ensure the safety of workers and the worksite, and to have and maintain an occupational health and safety program that is current and relevant to the potential hazards at their worksite, including hazardous substances,” said the WSCC in its news release.
The charges, under the Safety Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, were filed on April 24 but only now publicized by the WSCC.
Derek Reimer, the North West Company’s director of business development, told Cabin Radio: “We are reviewing the matter internally at this time. The health and safety of our employees is important to our company. We have no further comment on the matter at this time.”
