OHS Prosecution Case Study: Steelworks Company Fined After Employee Suffers Critical Injuries

$68,000 Equipment Maintenance Violation

A steelworks company was fined $68,000 after pleading guilty to a violation that resulted in an employee suffering critical injuries. The incident occurred on Feb. 27, 2023, while three workers erected steel beams for a three-storey addition on a hotel construction project. A worker on the ground level was rigging steel beams to a crane ready to be hoisted. Two other workers were on the third level, prepared with scissor lifts to install and connect the hoisted beams. The worker on the ground connected a nylon hoisting strap to the centre of a lateral assembly beam with a choke hitch. While the crane was hoisting the beam, the nylon hoisting strap broke, causing the beam to swing and fall. The ground-level worker was critically injured.

It was determined that the company failed to preserve the integrity of the nylon hoisting strap. Specifically, there was no edge protection to reduce wear and tear; subsequently, the strap used to hoist the beam was cut when it came into contact with a sharp steel capping plate.

On Sep. 20, 2024, the company pleaded guilty to violating sub-section 25(1)(c) of the OHS regulations and sub-section 172(3) of the Regulation for Construction Projects. The company was fined $68,000 and had to pay a 25% victim fine surcharge.

What Could Have Been Done?

Such an accident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of following all provincial and OHS regulations. Robust workplace controls are essential in keeping equipment well-maintained and safe. Additionally, employers must inspect equipment frequently to check for signs of wear and tear and implement procedures for reporting maintenance concerns.

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