Former Koeneman Lumber co-owner fined $5,000 for WSIB violations

Ken Johnston
Editor

Last March several charges were laid against Koneman Lumber Company of Rainy River and its owners Richard David Koneman of International Falls, Minnesota and Myron Williams of Fort Frances, Ontario.
912189 Ontario Inc., operated as Koneman Lumber Co. was charged with five counts of failing to notify the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) within three days after learning of an injury to an employee and three counts of failing to provide an employee wage statement. These were violations under sections 152(3) and 152(1.1) respectively of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.
In addition Richard David Koeneman was charged with three counts of failing to provide an employee wage statement and Larry Myron Williams was charged with five counts of failing to notify the WSIB within three days after learning of an injury to an employee.
According to Michael Swart of WSIB, on January 10, 2003 Myron Larry Williams entered a plea of guilty to three charges of failing to report an injury on time. He was fined $5,000.
Swart said the remaining charges involving the company and Mr. Koeneman himself are still pending and will be dealt with at a three day trial scheduled for August 20-22, 2003 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Rainy River.