WORK SAFETY recently fined Jas Mann Roofing and Waterproofing for a high-risk and repeat violation at a Vancouver construction site.
This company has been fined over $40,000 in the past four years.
Company: Jas Mann Roofing and Waterproofing Inc.
Place of work: Vancouver
Current amount: $14,961.48
Date of imposition: March 28
This company was engaged in the roofing of a new three-story condominium. WorkSafeBC inspected the site and observed four workers, including a supervisor, near the edge of a flat section of roof. The workers wore fall arrest harnesses but were not attached to lifelines. There was no other form of fall protection, leaving workers at risk of falling 10.7 m (35 ft).
The company failed to ensure fall protection devices were used, a high-risk violation. The company also failed to provide its employees with the information, direction, training and supervision needed to ensure their health and safety. These were repeated violations.
The primary purpose of an administrative fine is to motivate the employer receiving the fine – and other employers – to comply with health and safety laws and regulations and to keep their jobs safe.
WorkSafeBC notes that British Columbia’s construction industry injury rate is 3.37, higher than the provincial average of 2.24 (injury rate per 100 workers). In 2021, there were over 7,000 time-loss accidents in British Columbia’s construction sector, with 1,592 serious injuries.
Failure to use fall protection is a persistent problem in the industry, resulting in 5,893 injuries including 28 fatalities over the past five years. Additionally, in 2022, 164 administrative penalties totaling $1,027,997.55 were issued to employers for failing to use fall protection.
Also, construction workers are most at risk of falling from heights when scaffolding or railings are improperly installed or when workers are not using fall protection equipment.
WorkSafeBC says that’s why WorkSafeBC launched a Construction Planned Inspection Initiative aimed at reducing injuries in the sector. This initiative includes education, advice and enforcement.
voiceonline.com
https://voiceonline.com/jas-mann-roofing-and-waterproofing-of-vancouver-fined-almost-15000-by-worksafebc/
