A Concord-based construction company has been fined $130,000 after a worker was fatally injured at a road widening project in Vaughan, Ontario.
Fourwinds Construction Inc. pleaded guilty in Provincial Offences Court on Nov. 29, 2024, to violating workplace safety regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The court found that the company failed to ensure a headwall was stored in a manner that did not endanger workers, as required by Section 37(1) of Regulation 213/91.
The incident occurred on Aug. 31, 2023, at a site on Rutherford Road, where workers were installing a concrete headwall to frame the outlet of a drainage pipe. According to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the headwall was moved to allow further excavation. While digging, an excavator bucket struck the headwall, causing it to tip and fatally injure a worker.
Justice of the Peace Linda Debartolo imposed the $130,000 fine, which included a mandatory 25 per cent victim fine surcharge. The surcharge will go toward a provincial fund supporting victims of crime.
The ministry emphasized the importance of proper storage and handling of materials to prevent workplace tragedies. Employers are reminded to ensure all work processes comply with safety regulations to protect workers.
