Linemen Scott Bill and Cole Crooks fell from a bucket truck while tying in power lines in Weyburn on Oct. 8, 2020.
SaskPower has been ordered to pay $840,000 after being found guilty of three charges related to the deaths of two linemen who fell while tying in power lines.
“No fine or court ruling is really going to bring these guys home to their families at night,” said union rep Ken Hoste, speaking to media in front of the Weyburn courthouse after a judge ordered the fine Friday.
Hoste is an assistant business manager with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2067, a local union branch which represents over 1900 members working for various employers, including SaskPower.
The charges were brought under The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and The Saskatchewan Employment Act after the deaths of the two men as a result of an incident on Oct. 8, 2020. Scott Bill and Cole Crooks were working over 15 feet above ground in a bucket truck when the bucket tipped.
On Friday, in delivering her decision on sentence, Judge Michelle Brass described how neither of the men had his fall arrest lanyard hooked up when the incident occurred.
The Crown electricity provider was found guilty of failing to “provide and maintain plant, systems or work and working environments that ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of the employer’s workers.”
Further, SaskPower was found guilty of failing “to provide any information, instruction, training and supervision that is necessary to protect the health and safety of workers at work.”
The final count on which SaskPower was found guilty essentially pertained to the workers being allowed to work at heights without being properly tied off through the use of fall arrest equipment.
There was a fourth charge brought against SaskPower, alleging it failed to properly train the men to operate aerial equipment safely. However, the Crown corporation was not found guilty on that count.
Following the judge’s decision, a brief discussion was held regarding how much time would be allotted for the Crown corporation to pay. Lawyer Matthew Schmeling, who represented SaskPower on the matter, said payment could be made “forthwith,” meaning without delay.
Family members of the two men who died were present as the judge delivered her decision Friday, but did not provide comment.
“I only hope it helps bring closure to the families,” Hoste said of the decision.
“Weyburn is a close-knit community. These people were dedicated linemen.”
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