Blog Post #1575 – Mississauga Roofing Company Convicted

Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine

A roofing company in Mississauga, Ontario was fined $57,500 on March 01, 2017 for its role in a falling incident that seriously injured an employee.

According to a court bulletin from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Paiva Roofing Ltd., was working on a roof of an industrial business at Pickering on April 30, 2015, when a worker fell more than 8.5 metres through a roof opening.

The Ministry investigated the incident and found that the employer had failed to install an adequate guardrail system. Paiva pleaded guilty to violating Reg. 213/91, ‘The Construction Projects’ sector regulation, section 26. And 26.1(1).

Section 26 states,

“Where a worker may be exposed to any of the following hazards:

  1. Falling more than 3 metres;
  2. Falling more than 1.2 metres, if the work area is used as a path for a wheelbarrow or similar equipment;
  3. Falling into operating machinery;
  4. Falling into water or another liquid;
  5. Falling into or onto a hazardous substance or object; and/or
  6. Falling through an opening on a work surface.

Section 26.1, subsection (1) states,

“A worker shall be adequately protected by a guardrail system that meets the requirements.”

My opinion

The Working at Heights (WAH) section of the Greenbook was updated around this time. It made it mandatory to upgrade fall protection training.

Too bad the employer didn’t see fit to better protect their employee.

Same story, just another death in the construction sector.

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Fall Protection’ and ‘Working at Heights’. 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
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.

 

 

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