One worker was critically injured while six others suffered minor injuries
An agricultural and commercial contracting company has been fined $75,000 after a worker was critically injured and six others suffered minor injuries when a roof trusses collapsed.
John Ernewein Limited pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the trusses were adequately braced.
The incident happened March 30, 2021, while approximately 15 workers were installing wooden trusses on an agricultural barn. 27 trusses collapsed, resulting in multiple injuries.
The Ministry of Labour Immigration, Training and Skills Development says its “investigation revealed that the trusses were not adequately braced.”
Section 31(1)(b) of Ontario Regulation 213/91 states every part of a project must be adequately braced. This is to prevent movement that may affect stability and cause failure or collapse.
And the Occupational Health and Safety Act states the constructor is responsible for ensuring the regulations are followed.
John Ernewein Limited was also ordered to pay a 25 percent victim fine surcharge which goes into a provincial fund to help victims of crime.
It’s important for health and safety professionals, and any leader who is responsible for safety to be aware of the rules and regulations and fully understand their responsibilities as a constructor under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
