July 26, 2005

Owner fined $34,500 in fatal skid-steer accident

REGINA

A provincial court judge has slammed the former owner of a snow-clearing business for placing the dollar ahead of worker safety.

Sye Rosin, 75, was handed a hefty $30,000 fine and $4,500 surcharge for Occupational Health and Safety charges related to the death of an employee, 18-year-old Donald Poisson.

Judge Ernie Bobowski said Rosin didn’t put any emphasis on the safety of the employees operating his machines. Poisson was killed when he was pinned by the loader of a poorly maintained New Holland Skid-Steer, similar to a Bobcat.

Rosin was convicted of three charges related to failing to ensure the health and safety of an employee.

Witnesses at the trial testified the 24-year-old machine had numerous mechanical problems with safety devices that were inoperable, problems Bobowski determined were ignored by Rosin “to save money.”

Bobowski also noted that instead of repairing the machine following Poisson’s death, Rosin got out of the business.

The judge also directed a comment to Poisson’s parents, who were present in court.

“In assessing a fine, I am in no way attempting to set a dollar value on Donald’s life,” said Bobowski. “Every life is precious.”

Andre and Delores Poisson expressed grief and anger over their son’s death.

“Mr. Rosin just thought about money, not his workers,” they said in a statement. “If he cared about Donald, he would have helped pay for things or even send a card.”

Canadian Press

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