Town of Kindersley fined $175K in death of worker exposed to poisonous gas

A provincial court judge has fined the Town of Kindersley $175,000 for the death of an employee two years ago.

The town worker died while responding to an emergencysewage blockage.

On Aug. 13, the Town of Kindersley pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to prevent a worker from exposure to hazardous substances. Four other charges were withdrawn.

The judge imposed a$125,000 fine and ordered the town to pay a victim surcharge of $50,000.

The death happened on Aug. 30, 2022 when town workers were dispatched to an emergency sewer backup.

At the time, Kindersley Mayor Rod Perkins told CBC News that one of the workers dug out a manhole cover and climbed into the cavity, where he was apparently overcome by poisonous gas.

Kindersley is 200 kilometres southwest of Saskatoon.