Worker death results in $160K fine

Res 2000 Structures Inc., a Cookstown constructor, was fined $160,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was killed, a report from Ministry of Labour said.
According to the report, on March 12, 2010, workers were installing formwork and concrete at a building project in Toronto when a worker fell about 10 meters through an opening in a concrete slab. The worker died as a result of the fall.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the opening's protective floor covering, which was unmarked and unsecured, had been removed before the worker fell through.

Res 2000 Structures Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the floor covering completely covered the opening in the work surface, was securely fastened and was adequately identified as covering an opening.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Inderpaul Chandhoke. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.