Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’
A worker was killed when a concrete panel fell from a flatbed truck while it was being transferred with a crane and hoist.
N.D. Erectors Limited was a subcontractor on the site which had the task of erecting panels of pre-set concrete onto the exterior wall of the building. The panels were transported via flat-bed truck and a crane and hoist were used to lift the panels from the truck.
On March 27, 2017, the panels arrived on the site and an employee of J.N.D. Erectors proceeded to unload them. The panels were supported by two A-frames bolted to the truck, with transport chains securing two panels to each other.
The worker unhooked the chains from one panel; the first panel was hoisted away by crane.
While preparing the second panel, it shifted and toppled onto the worker. The panel weighed over 6,000 pounds. The worker died from the injuries and a surveillance camera captured the incident.
A Ministry of Labour structural engineer stated in a report that the toppling would have been avoided if the panel had been secured at all times.
Following a trial, J.N.D. Erectors Limited was fined $200,000 by Justice of the Peace Ruby Wong in Scarborough provincial court; Crown Counsels Indira Stewart and Graeme Adams.
The court also 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.
J.N.D. Erectors had a prior health and safety conviction in 2014.
My opinion
The law(s) in contravention:
J.N.D. Erectors Limited was found guilty of a contravention of the Ontario ‘Construction’ regulation 213/91, section 38 which states,
“Blocking, support chains, metal bands, wire rope and rigging components shall be removed from material or equipment in a manner that does not endanger a worker.”
The company decided to fight this one, hence a larger fine was issued. Since this was the 2nd time they were involved with a health and safety issue I would venture a guess they still have not learned their lesson.
Too bad for the employees.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259 We can also be reached at
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.
P.S. This is my 1,200th blog post and that number was achieved in exactly 10 years of very hard-working research. I hope to continue with the same dedication into the next 10 years.
Wish me luck!!!