Even in no-injury accidents, fines under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act can be significant, as demonstrated by a recent case in which there was potential for serious injury.
According to a Ministry of Labour news release, a company, Paramount Structures Ltd., a supervisor and a worker were fined a total of $55,000.00 after equipment fell from a condominium building under construction in Toronto.
Paramount Structures was contracted to perform the formwork required on the project. A piece of equipment, a “fly table”, was being hoisted to an upper floor. It was not tied or secured, and it became unbalanced and slid to the ground. It landed on neighbouring railway property. It appears from the Ministry of Labour news release that no one was injured.
Paramount Structures, as an employer, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that every part of a project must be constructed so it is supported and braced to prevent any movement that may cause its failure or collapse. It was fined $50,000.00. A supervisor and a worker pleaded guilty to the same charge and were fined $3,000.00 and $2,000.00 respectively.
