A structural steel worker fell approximately seven metres from a platform on a suspended scaffold at a commercial building project, suffering severe spinal injuries requiring emergency surgery. The scaffold platform had been partially dismantled by another contractor the previous day to facilitate a crane pick and had not been restored before the structural steel crew was directed to resume work at that elevation. The site supervisor was aware that the platform had been altered but authorized the resumption of work without inspecting it.
What Happened
- Multiple scaffold deck boards were missing, creating an unguarded opening in the work platform
- The injured worker was not wearing fall protection at the time of the incident
- The site supervisor authorized workers to return to height without inspecting the scaffold after the alteration
- No fall hazard assessment had been conducted after the scaffold was modified by another trade
- Communications between contractors about the altered platform were informal and undocumented
- The site supervisor received a personal fine of $15,000
The Outcome
Anchor Steel Fabricators Inc. was convicted under the OHSA and O. Reg. 213/91 for failing to ensure fall protection measures were in place and for inadequate supervision. The company was fined $200,000 plus a 25% victim fine surcharge. The site supervisor received a personal fine of $15,000.
Citation: 2021 ONCJ 175 · Penalty: $200,000
What This Case Teaches Ontario Contractors
Scaffolding is a dynamic work platform — its condition can change every day as trades modify it for their own needs. Employers must require a competent person to inspect every scaffold before each work shift and after any alteration, regardless of which trade made the change. A supervisor who directs workers to height is personally responsible for confirming that the means of working at that height is safe before work begins.
This summary is drawn from the reported outcome of an Ontario occupational health and safety prosecution. It is provided for educational purposes and is not legal advice.