Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’
A worker was critically injured when a construction drill rig tipped on uneven ground and struck them. Consbec Inc. failed to ensure the worker had been provided sufficient information, instruction and supervision on the safe operation of the drill rig. Consbec Inc. is a surface and underground mining and civil construction contractor.
On April 29, 2022, Consbec Inc. was doing contract work on a construction project expanding Highway 11/17.
One worker was operating a drill rig that was advancing a series of boreholes in the ditch for explosive rock blasting.
The worker positioned the drill rig on uneven ground with the tracks slightly overhanging a small embankment, then positioned themself between the rig and a rock shoulder.
When the worker extended the boom of the drill rig and set the drill rig mast upright, the rig tipped forward on the uneven ground, striking and critically injuring the worker.
At the time of the incident, the worker’s direct supervisor had briefly left the ditch to return equipment to a nearby storage unit on the same project site.
Following a guilty plea in Provincial Offences Court in Thunder Bay, Consbec Inc. was fined $125,000 by Justice of the Peace Nancy Tulloch. Crown Counsel was 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.
My opinion
The law(s) in contravention:
Consbec Inc., was found guilty of a contravention of the Occupational Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA), section 25, subsection 2(a) which states,
“An employer shall,
- provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health or safety of the worker.”
Why did Consbec Inc. not give all the information to their employee before the work was to be done? Good question.
Does the reader even know that all workers MUST be given all the information necessary to do his/her job.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. 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.