If employees are at risk for falling considerable distances, they had better be trained in recognizing fall hazards and be using fall protection. Failure to do so has resulted in a $100,000 fine being levied against Kirkland Lake Gold Inc.

The Vancouver, BC-based mining company was cited after a worker lost his balance and fell from a ladder at a gold mine in Kirkland Lake, ON, on Dec. 14, 2005. The worker had been trying to help raise a metal landing gate at the time of the fall.

The employee first fell 65 feet (nearly 20 meters) to a landing below, then slipped through a service gate and fell a further 170 feet (52 meters).

Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the worker’s health and safety. An additional 25 percent victim fine surcharge was imposed by the Ontario Court of Justice.