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A Saskatchewan provincial court judge has ordered the Town of Kindersley to pay $175,000 to the family of a worker killed two years ago.
On Aug. 13, 2024, the town pleaded guilty to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, according to a news release issued by the Government of Saskatchewan on Friday.
Specifically, the town pleaded guilty to contravening a section of the code which relates to an employer’s failure to “take all practicable steps to prevent exposure of a worker” to a hazardous chemical or biological substance, resulting in the death of a worker.
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Four other charges against the town were withdrawn. The fine itself is $125,000, with a $50,000 surcharge.
The man’s death occurred on Aug. 30, 2022 as he was entering a sewer manhole. According to a report from Discover Moose Jaw, the victim was Wilmer Gonzalez, a 48-year-old public works employee who at the time was responding to a sewer blockage.
Gonzalez, who leaves behind five kids, reportedly volunteered in the town and coached his children’s sports teams.
On Aug. 7, members of his family planted a tree in his honour within the community.
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