Richard D. Steele Construction (1979) Ltd., a Brockville-based general contractor known for its work across commercial, industrial, institutional, and custom home sectors, has been convicted and fined $75,000 following a workplace incident that led to a critical injury. The conviction, which took place in the Provincial Offences Court in Brockville on February 21, 2024, underlines the importance of adhering to workplace safety regulations.
The incident occurred on August 8, 2022, at a private residence located at 68 Buell Street in Brockville, where two employees of Richard D. Steele Construction were tasked with installing exterior siding and trim on a house. Despite the erection of a pump jack scaffold system designed to facilitate such work at height, the scaffold did not cover the entire wall. This oversight necessitated the use of an extension ladder to reach the unfinished area.
Tragically, while using a pneumatic nail gun at a height of more than three metres, one of the workers lost balance when the ladder slipped from the side of the house, resulting in the worker’s fall and subsequent critical injuries. The investigation revealed that Richard D. Steele Construction failed to ensure the safety measures mandated by section 125(1) of Ontario Regulation 213/91, part of the Construction Projects regulation, were met. This oversight directly contravened section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), leading to the conviction.
Justice of the Peace Stephen Dibblee, overseeing the case, imposed the fine, acknowledging the company’s guilty plea. Additionally, the court mandated a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act, which contributes to a special provincial fund aimed at assisting victims of crime.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of workplace safety, especially when working from heights, and the legal obligations companies have to ensure all safety regulations are strictly followed to prevent accidents and injuries.