Worker fall leads to $65,000-fine
A Caledon-based construction company has been fined $65,000 in provincial court for its role in a workplace accident that led to a worker’s injuries.
James Dick Construction Limited is headquartered on Regional Road 50 in Caledon, and owns and operates a limestone quarry on Concession A in Brechin in the Township of Ramara. By law, the quarry is considered a mine.
The company entered a guilty plea in response to charges laid in violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.
On June 3, 2019, a worker was making repairs to rubber skirts of a screen in the lower feed hopper at the Ramara quarry. While performing the work, the catwalk the worker was standing on gave way. The worker fell about 15 feet to the quarry material below. The worker suffered injuries.
An inspection of the catwalk after the incident showed that the steel in the floor grating, toe board and handrails had deteriorated. The catwalks at the quarry had previously been identified as requiring maintenance.
Under the OHSA, the Regulation for Mines and Mining Plants states that a walkway, stairway or ladderway must be maintained in a safe condition. James Dick Construction pled guilty to failing to ensure those measures and procedures were complied with.
In addition to the $65,000-fine, the company will pay a 25-percent victim surcharge that supports a provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.