Blog Post #1671 – Construction Company Fined $80K After Two Workers Injured

Report from the OH&S Canada magazine (Summer 2024)

Amico Contractors Inc. has been fined $80,000 after two workers were injured falling from a work platform.

The company pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the platform was constructed and installed to support the weight of the workers, as required by section 134(1)(a) of Regulation 213/91, contrary to section 25(1)(c) of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.

On July 25, 2022, two workers were setting precast stairs and landings in stair shafts at a construction project in LaSalle, Ont. To complete the task, they built a work platform and braced it inside the stair shaft.

Shortly after the two workers climbed onto the platform to complete their work on the stairs, the platform fell with both of them on it, causing injuries.

A Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development inspection revealed the workers did not construct or install the platform to support all loads to which it was likely to be subjected.

My opinion

The law(s) in contravention:

Amico Contractors Inc. was found guilty of a contravention of section 134, subsection (1)(a) of the Ontario ‘Construction Projects’ sector regulation which states,

“Every scaffold platform and other work platform shall be designed, constructed and maintained to support or resist, without exceeding the allowable unit stresses for the materials of which it is constructed,

• all loads and forces to which it is likely to be subjected.”

This is contrary to the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), section 25, subsection 1(c) which states,

“An employer shall ensure that,

(c) the measures and procedures prescribed are carried out in the workplace.”

This is a terrible accident to have happened and that any platform MUST be built according to good engineering practice.

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. 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.