Several workplace safety charges laid against irrigation district over 2022 drowning

Southern Alberta Newspapers

The Eastern Irrigation District faces 10 workplace safety charges after a diver drowned while working on irrigation works in 2022.

The charges, first reported in the Brooks Bulletin, were laid June 24, according to an Occupational Health and Safety report issued by the province.

RCMP stated at the time of the Oct. 19, 2022 incident that a 55-year-old man was working underwater at the Rolling Hills Reservoir and Lake Newell reservoir gates, but didn’t resurface.

Charges laid by OHS officials include not ensuring the worker was properly trained, failing to have a second trained individual on hand, failing to perform a risk assessment report of the worksite or a potential rescue plan and failing to ensure an intake valve in the vicinity was closed or shut off.

The charges have not been proven in provincial Court of Justice. A first appearance on the charges is scheduled for Aug. 14 in Brooks.