Blog Post #647 – Roofer Fined for Unsafe Work

Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine

A Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan business owner (roofer) has pleaded guilty to four counts under the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act for fall protection and scaffolding failures.

Theodore Sibbald of Sibbald Roofing was fined $9,800 on July 25, 2012, for failing to use a fall protection system, have a written fall protection plan and ensure that scaffold planks were free from defects or did not span more than three metres between vertical supports.

Two workers were injured when a ladder-jack scaffold plank broke while they were shingling a house in late 2009. A separate inspection found no roofer with proper fall protection.

My opinion

Even the province of Saskatchewan knows the need for fall protection requirements under the law. I still do not understand why companies do not understand that the world has changed to one where safety is of paramount importance and the need for training and hazard assessments and controls are a way of life.

Please ensure that your workplace is a safe place. Complete a hazard assessment prior to any work is done so that the workers are never placed at risk for any reasonably foreseeable hazard.

As well, take the time to learn all about the law. There are a few safety courses out there so take a little you-time and learn the law. You will be glad you did. So will your workers.

Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

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

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.

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