Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine
A Saskatchewan employer was fined $25,000 on August 23rd, 2017 for its involvement in a workplace incident that seriously injured a worker on May 11, 2016.
An employee of Carlyle Contracting Services Ltd. was working with rigging at a worksite near Carlyle on that day when a chain holding an I-beam broke, striking the worker on the back and damaged the spine, according to a statement from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.
The company pleaded guilty to failing to train a worker in safe rigging practices before the worker was permitted to assemble, use, maintain or dismantle rigging. Three other charges were dropped.
My opinion
The fine seems to be a little on the small side for such a critical injury. I wonder if it will be a proper deterrent in the future. Maybe not. I just would not bet on it.
Safety lifting and rigging, in Ontario construction can be found in the ‘Construction’ regulation 213/91, between sections 150 and 156, inclusive.
Some of the information found there is:
Section 150, subsections 1, 1.1 and 2
“No worker shall operate a crane or similar hoisting device unless the worker holds a certificate of qualification issued under the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act, 2009, that is not suspended, or the worker is an apprentice and is working pursuant to a training agreement registered under that Act, that is not suspended, in the trade of,
(a) hoisting engineer — mobile crane operator 1, if the worker is operating a crane or similar hoisting device capable of raising, lowering or moving any material that weighs more than 30,000 pounds;
(b) hoisting engineer — mobile crane operator 1 or hoisting engineer — mobile crane operator 2, if the worker is operating a crane or similar hoisting device capable of raising, lowering or moving only material that weighs more than 16,000 pounds but no more than 30,000 pounds; or
(c) hoisting engineer — tower crane operator, if the worker is operating a tower crane.
(1.1) Subsection (1) does not apply when a worker is using excavation equipment to place pipes into a trench.
(2) No worker shall operate a crane or similar hoisting device, other than one described in subsection (1), unless,
(a) the worker has written proof of training indicating that he or she is trained in the safe operation of the crane or similar hoisting device; or
(b) the worker is being instructed in the operation of the crane or similar hoisting device and is accompanied by a person who meets the requirements of clause (a).”
As the reader can see, there is a lot for a construction crew to take in. Knowing the OHSA and the construction regulation will better prepare your workers with all safety requirements.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’, ‘Construction Lifting and Rigging’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.