Blog Post #252 – Worker Fined $10,000 for Providing False Information

Excerpt from the Government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’

Lloyd Dawkins, a worker, was fined $10,000 on November 3, 2010, for knowingly providing false information to an inspector.

On October 29, 2008, a Ministry of Labour inspector was doing a routine inspection at a construction project on the corner of Taunton Rd. and Garrard Rd. in Whitby. The inspector noticed Mr. Dawkins doing electrical work and asked if he was authorized to do that type of work. Mr. Dawkins produced a Provisional Certification of Qualification that was forged due to an altered expiry date.

Lloyd Dawkins was found guilty of knowingly furnishing a Ministry of Labour inspector with false information.

The fine was imposed by Justice Constance McIlwain. In addition to the fine, the court 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:

Lloyd Dawkins was found guilty of a contravention of section 62, subsection 3(a) of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) which states,

“No person shall knowingly furnish an inspector with false information or neglect or refuse to furnish information required by an inspector,

a) In the exercise of his or her powers or the performance of his or her duties under this ACT or the regulations.”

The worker has many responsibilities laid out in section 28 of the ACT and there are others, one being included today. I think it important enough for the workers to see this one so as not to circumvent the law by omission or the falsification of documents. One can be subject to a fine every bit as much as a supervisor or the employer. Please be careful when coming in contact with the MOL inspector. They are well trained and can easily find the appropriate section of either the ACT or regulation and you will be fined accordingly. If it is serious enough you may also go to jail.

Remember — In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

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.

We can also be reached at 

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

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