The Village of Torquay pleaded guilty to one count under the Occupational Health and Safety legislation when their representative appeared in Provincial Court in Estevan on June 6.
The guilty plea arose when it was stated the village failed to take all practicable steps to prevent exposure of a worker, to an extent that is likely to be harmful to a worker, to a chemical or biochemical substance that may be hazardous and did thereby cause the death of a worker.
The village was fined $30,000 with a $12,000 surcharge.
Two other charges connected to the incident, were stayed.
Charges came after a workplace fatality occurred on March 11, 2014 near the Village of Torquay where a worker was in a confined space and was exposed to hydrogen sulphide, also referred to as H2S or sour gas. The gas is highly toxic and exposures to high concentrations can lead to death. Low levels of H2S have a foul odour similar to rotten eggs, however, at high levels there is no smell.
A hazard assessment should be completed to determine if a space is safe to enter and employees must be provided with training.
