Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’
On March 8, 2020, an electrician employed by 1086289 Ontario Inc. o/a Urban Electrical Contractors was working at a construction project entailing the renovation of an existing commercial building.
As the worker was connecting electrical cables located in the main electrical switchboard at the project, an electrical explosion occurred, critically injuring the worker.
An investigation of the incident by the Ministry of Labour concluded that the power supply to the main electrical switchboard was not disconnected and locked out of service before any work on the switchboard had begun and not kept disconnected and locked out of service while the work continued.
The investigation found that 1086289 Ontario Inc. o/a Urban Electrical Contractors did commit the offence of failing, as an employer, to ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed by section 190(4) of Ontario Regulation 213/91, as amended, (the “Regulation for Construction Projects”), were carried out in the workplace. This was contrary to section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act,
Following a guilty plea at the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto, 1086289 Ontario Inc. o/a Urban Electrical Contractors was fined $85,000 by Justice Callaghan.
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.
My opinion
The law(s) in contravention:
1086289 Ontario Inc. was found guilt of the Ontario ‘Construction Projects’ regulation 213/91, section 190, subsection 4 which states,
“The power supply to the electrical equipment, installation or conductor shall be disconnected, locked out of service and tagged in accordance with subsection (6) before the work begins, and kept disconnected, locked out of service and tagged while the work continues.”
In many of the other sector regulations, there is a 2nd part that states, the worker MUST test to ensure that all lines are de-energized.
Why doesn’t everyone have a healthy respect for electricity and ensure that all parts of the project are de-energized? One would feel this to be a common-sense approach.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Electrical Safety Awareness’ and ‘Lockout and Tagout’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.
Thanks for the help.