New Charges Laid in Humboldt Tragedy

A Tragedy That Still Shapes Commercial Vehicle Safety

The tragedy of the Humboldt Bronco’s fatal crash has gained international headlines and has hung heavy on the hearts of many. On April 7, 2018, the Humboldt Bronco’s team bus collided with a semi-truck driven by 29-year-old Jaskirat Sidhu, a driver employed by Adesh Deol Trucking. The crash killed 16 people and injured another 13 people aboard the team bus.

On July 6, 2018, the RCMP charged 29-year-old Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the driver of the semi-trailer, with 16 counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and 13 counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily injury.

New Charges Against the Trucking Company Owner

Reports confirm that new charges have been laid against Sukhmander Singh, the owner and director of Adesh Deol Trucking. Sukhmander Singh was charged with: two counts of failing to require a daily log for each day, two counts of failing to keep more than one daily log in respect of any day, three counts of failing to monitor the compliance of a driver with the regulation and failing to have or follow a written safety program. He is due to appear in court again on November 9, 2018.

Driver Competency and Record-Keeping Obligations

Sukhmander Singh, in all probability, could have avoided these charges had he ensured that his company, and his drivers, complied with provincial legislation. Ensuring that your workers are competent in the task that they are expected to perform is mandatory. As well as maintaining accurate records, such as driver logs, and ensuring they are available upon request.

The government has taken a stand on ensuring driver competency and is now requiring all Albertans that wish to obtain a Class 1 or 2 license to take a mandated entry level training course which includes 125 driving hours.

Why Every Alberta Employer Needs a Written Safety Program

Another important issue in this case, is the lack of a written health and safety program (or the failure to follow one, it is unclear as to which instance applies) A written health and safety program is required by Alberta legislation for employers with 20 employees or more, however a written program is beneficial to all companies regardless of the size. A written health and safety program sets out the requirements and the expectations of the company in regards to health and safety activity and assists in ensuring compliance with the legislation that applies to your company. There are many HSE Manuals that are available on the internet, however, you want to ensure that your written program meets the needs of your company. This is accomplished through an overall assessment of the company and the various tasks and activities conducted and the different equipment and tools used. There are many important factors in developing and implementing a successful health and safety program.

How Safety Ahead Helps with Commercial Vehicle Programs

For assistance on developing a company specific written health and safety program, commercial vehicle programs or for help updating an existing program, or for assistance ensuring driver competency, please feel free to give us a call at Safety Ahead! 780-473-4772.