The absence of appropriate safety measures and equipment, as well as dangerous moving machinery left exposed, were the two main causes behind a tragic work accident at an excavation site in East Angus last summer.

On the day of the accident, June 10th, Martin Bouchard was preparing to head off to his lunch break at Excavation Normand Bouchard on Gosford Road.
A large stone was stuck in a series of water jets on the sand and gravel washer/sifter and Bouchard climbed up on the frame of the sieve to get rid of the blockage, said inspector Nathalie Desgagné. Bouchard, who had stopped the conveyor belt, but not the rest of the machinery, lost his footing and fell into the machine, landing on a moving screw conveyor a few metres below.
A little later, a colleague noticed Bouchard was not at lunch. He went to see why and discovered Bouchard dead at the end of the conveyor screw.
Quebec’s workers safety board, the Commission des santé et sécurité au travail was called in to investigate.

In its report released yesterday, the CSST blames the company for inadequate safety measures that could have prevented the death. The CSST went easy on the company because the victim was the brother of owner.

Following the inquiry, CSST inspectors determined equipment at Escavation Normand Bouchard did not meet minimum standards required by law, said Guy Vallée, regional manager for CSST-Estrie.
The company was charged with three separate violations, said Vallée, noting that if the owner pleads guilty, or is found guilty, he will face fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 for each infraction.
“We have a zero tolerance attitude towards employers who are responsible for ensuring that work sites are safe and properly equipped,” said Vallée. “But in this case, a heavy fine was not appropriate.”

For full story, please pick up today's Record

By Rita Legault
Sherbrooke

Wednesday, December 17, 2008