An Ottawa-based construction company has been fined $55,000 following a workplace incident that left a worker critically injured. The fine, handed down by Justice of the Peace Karen Baum in Provincial Offences Court, comes after Claridge Homes Inc. pleaded guilty to violating Ontario’s health and safety regulations.
The incident occurred on Oct. 25, 2022, at a highrise construction project located at 1707 Carling Avenue in Ottawa. A worker, employed by a subcontractor, was assisting in hoisting a peri box filled with formwork components to an upper level of the building. During the lifting process, the load began to swing and struck the worker, resulting in serious injuries.
An investigation by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development revealed that Claridge Homes Inc. had failed to implement required safety measures, specifically the use of a tag line or guide rope to control the movement of the load. This omission was found to be in violation of section 179(1) of Ontario Regulation 213/91, which mandates safety procedures for such operations. As a result, the company was found to have breached its duties under section 23(1)(a) of the Ontario Health and Safety Act.
In addition to the $55,000 fine, the court imposed a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge, which is directed to a provincial fund supporting victims of crime. The case was prosecuted by Crown Counsel Dan Phelan.
The conviction underscores the importance of adhering to safety protocols in high-risk construction environments, particularly in projects involving heavy machinery and elevated work. The penalty serves as a reminder to employers in the construction industry of their legal obligations to protect workers from harm.