Construction Accidents: Company Fined After Worker Death

Sittler Environmental, a Canadian waste and recycling company has been fined $95,000 in provincial offenses after one of its workers died in an industrial accident two years ago. Sittler president Steve Sittler pleaded guilty to one charge under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. On September 14, 2005, a hydraulic shovel excavator ran over Lorne Weber, 54. Weber had worked for Sittler Environmental for 20 years and was the lead worker on the job site. Two other Sittler workers were on the site; two of these workers were using large excavators to grind trees, shrubs, and debris.

Firm Fined After Worker Dies on the Job

Weber had been using a remote control to operate a tub grinder when the driver of the excavator made eye contact with Weber. The operator of the excavator then dropped a log in the grinder when he heard a scream. The excavator then reversed the machine and ran over Weber. Charges were filed against Sittler because the company did not take reasonable precautions to take protect its workers. The Sittler company says that they have been affected by Weber's death: "They have been devastated by what happened to their friend," according to a joint statement of fact.