Three employers must pay five-figure total in penalties
Three British Columbia employers have been ordered to pay fines totalling $10,000 for fall protection violations.
Canadian Quality Stucco Ltd. was fined $5,000 for violations it committed in its Surrey worksite.
WorkSafeBC observed three of this firm's workers applying stucco to the second-level exterior of a house under construction. No form of fall protection was in place, exposing the workers to a fall risk of about 4.3 m (14 ft.).
“The firm failed to ensure fall protection was used, a repeated and high-risk violation,” according to the agency.
Meanwhile, Rudolf Sartison/Hotzies Contracting was fined $2,500
This firm was working on the construction of a two-storey house in Kelowna.
WorkSafeBC observed three workers, one of whom was a representative of the firm, installing sheathing on the sloped roof. No form of fall protection was in place, exposing the workers to a fall risk of about 7.3 m (24 ft.).
Similarly, the firm failed to ensure fall protection was used, which was a repeated and high-risk violation.
Lastly, JV Roofing Limited was fined $2,500.
This firm was re-roofing a two-storey house, also in Kelowna.
WorkSafeBC found two workers on the 4:12 sloped roof, removing old shingles. No form of fall protection was in place, exposing the workers to a fall risk of about 5.5 m (18 ft.).
WorkSafeBC issued a stop-work order.
“The firm failed to ensure fall protection was used, a high-risk violation,” according to the agency. “The firm also failed to ensure its workers were instructed in fall protection systems and procedures. These were both repeated violations.”
Previously, Sandhill Construction – Dwight Reimer Sole Proprietor, a Manitoba employer, has been fined $18,500 after one of its workers suffered an injury after falling in the worksite.
Also, Coast Roofing Ltd., Dogtooth Log and Timber Ltd., Big Guns Roofing Ltd., Rai Star Custom Homes Ltd., Lalli Development (2011) Ltd., 0568677 British Columbia Ltd., Kalan Constructions Ltd. and Rainbow Siding Ltd. were all fined for fall protection violations in the workplace.
