$132K Fine for Cypress Mountain Resort Following Fatal Worker Incident
Cypress Mountain Resort in West Vancouver has been slapped with a significant fine of $132,000 after a tragic worker death at the ski hill last year. The incident occurred on October 3, 2023, when a worker, operating a telehandler forklift, was tragically caught beneath the rig as it tipped over. The worker had exited the forklift to inspect the load when it unexpectedly started rolling and ultimately overturned. This fatal accident has now led to a penalty from WorkSafeBC, which found multiple violations of workplace safety protocols.
The penalty, issued exactly one year after the incident, was handed to Cypress Bowl ULC, the operator of Cypress Mountain Resort. The investigation revealed that the company failed to take critical safety measures that could have prevented the accident. Specifically, WorkSafeBC found that the resort had not ensured proper restraint of loads that could shift during transportation, a basic safety measure to secure unstable loads. Additionally, the resort did not ensure that its equipment was capable of safely performing the tasks required, which is essential for the safety of workers operating heavy machinery.
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Perhaps most concerning, WorkSafeBC discovered that the company had not provided adequate training to its workers on the safe operation of lift trucks and forklifts. Proper training is a cornerstone of workplace safety, especially when it comes to operating machinery that can cause fatal accidents if not handled correctly. Furthermore, the resort failed to educate its staff about potential health and safety hazards associated with their work.
The fine of $132,369 is a reminder of the importance of maintaining high safety standards in hazardous environments like ski resorts, where workers are often exposed to the risks of heavy equipment and challenging terrain. WorkSafeBC emphasized that the violations were high-risk, meaning they directly contributed to the fatal accident and posed ongoing dangers to the well-being of employees.
As the resort faces this significant financial penalty, it underscores the need for businesses, especially those in high-risk industries like skiing and construction, to uphold strict safety regulations. Proper training, equipment maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols are essential to prevent accidents and protect workers.
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