The death of one of its subcontractor’s employees has resulted in a $100,000 fine to a real estate project management firm.
Four workers of the subcontractor were demolishing an interior concrete block wall which was 26 feet high. The wall collapsed on two workers. The collapse was captured on video. One of the workers died, and the other suffered severe injuries.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that an inadequate demolition procedure was used. The project management firm pleaded guilty, as a constructor, to two counts of failing to ensure that the health and safety of workers was protected. The total fine was $100,000.
This case demonstrates how project management firms can be the “constructor” under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, thereby taking on responsibility for all workers on the project – not only the project management firm’s own employees.
The Ministry of Labour’s press release may be accessed here.
