The operator of Cypress Ski Resort is facing a significant fine from WorkSafeBC after a 26-year-old worker died while dismantling the Eagle Coaster for the season.
WorkSafe posted the results of its investigation online after its inspectors visited the worksite following the death last year. It fined Cypress just over $132,000.
The young man was operating a telehandler forklift and got out of the cab to check the load on October 3, 2023. But the forklift started rolling and then tipped and pinned the worker underneath it. The man died on the scene.
West Vancouver police initially characterized the death as a tragic industrial accident. Police assisted paramedics to find him on the mountain’s steep terrain.
However, WorkSafe’s investigation found that improper safety protocols contributed to his death. It said the firm failed to properly restrain loads that could shift while on the forklift and didn’t ensure the forklift could safely perform its desired function.
What’s more, WorkSafe said workers at the site weren’t provided with proper training or supervision to use forklifts safely.
“These were all high-risk violations,” it said in its decision posted online.
The worker had recently come from Ontario to work at Cypress for the winter season. His name has not been publicly released.
Daily Hive has reached out to Cypress for comment but has not yet heard back.
- You might also like:
- 26-year-old killed in accident dismantling Cypress Mountain coaster