Fatal Fall Results in $100,000 Fine

If employees are at risk for falling considerable distances, they had better be trained in recognizing fall hazards and be using fall protection. Failure to do so has resulted in a $100,000 fine being levied against Kirkland Lake Gold Inc.

The Vancouver, BC-based mining company was cited after a worker lost his balance and fell from a ladder at a gold mine in Kirkland Lake, ON, on Dec. 14, 2005. The worker had been trying to help raise a metal landing gate at the time of the fall.

The employee first fell 65 feet (nearly 20 meters) to a landing below, then slipped through a service gate and fell a further 170 feet (52 meters).

Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the worker’s health and safety. An additional 25 percent victim fine surcharge was imposed by the Ontario Court of Justice.