City investigates Emterra over 'concerning' safety record

The City of Winnipeg is investigating Emterra, the company responsible for Winnipeg's garbage pickup, over what the mayor calls a "concerning" safety record.

Since Emterra took over garbage collection in 2013, Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health said it has responded to five serious incidents and 23 complaints from the public and employees.

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The serious incidents, dating back to November 2013, include a temporary worker run over by a collection truck, an Emterra worker caught between a truck and a hydro pole, the collapse of a 4¼-metre wall at an Emterra facility and an employee who suffered a head injury and smoke inhalation as a result of a fire, said a statement from the province. 

In the past two years there have also been 85 claims filed to Manitoba's Workers Compensation Board for workers injured on the job at Emterra, and 29 of those claims included time off work.

"Upon hearing the allegations, I asked that the CAO commence immediately an investigation," said Mayor Brian Bowman. 

"The allegations are concerning and we obviously want to do our best to protect workers."

The company is subject to routine health and safety inspections by the province, and in the last two years, it has issued Emterra 13 stop work orders, two administrative penalties and 58 improvement orders, "including orders for safe work procedures, personal protective equipment and competent supervision for workers."

In a statement to CBC News, Emterra Environment says it takes the safety of its employees very seriously and the company's track record is reflected in what has been reported to the Workers Compensation Board.

"While the physical nature and repetition of certain jobs results in some WCB claims, the vast majority would be classified as minor in nature," the statement reads in part.

"Emterra has among the best safety rating in its field and our record qualifies the company for the lowest premium payments to WCB. Our management practices and safety focus has also been recognized provincially and nationally."

The company says it works with employees, unions and contractors to improve safety, in part by providing workers with protective clothing and providing safety training.

At the same time, Emterra says it respects the city's right to review safety programs.

"The company's claims record is reflected in its WCB premiums and so Emterra has a level of confidence its safety processes and procedures. Having said that, the company is working with the city to … clarify any questions they may have," it said in a follow-up statement.

Emterra trashed for 'poor service' from beginning

Emterra was touted as the cheapest collection service when officials agreed to a five-year contract in 2013, at $11.9 million annually.  

Darryl Drohomerski, the city's manager of solid waste services at the time, said it was a natural decision to pick Emterra because its bid was millions of dollars less than the other firms. 

However, since the service began in 2013, it has been subject to numerous complaints. 

In its first month of collection, the city took thousands of calls from people saying their garbage pickup was days behind schedule.

At the time, former Mayor Sam Katz asked Winnipeggers to be patient while the kinks were worked out. When delays continued, the city began implementing penalties for missed pickups. Emterra faced up to $400,000 in fines for poor service in November alone.

Bowman said he wouldn't comment further on the service until he sees the results of the city's investigation.