A recent court ruling has resulted in HCL Site Services being fined $100,000 for a workplace incident that left a worker with serious injuries. The incident occurred when a trench collapsed, trapping the worker inside. The company pleaded guilty to violating the Occupational Health and Safety Act and was subsequently fined.
The incident happened on October 19, 2018, at a construction site in Toronto, where HCL Site Services was contracted to perform excavation work. The worker, whose name was not disclosed, was inside a trench that was approximately 3.5 meters deep when it suddenly collapsed, causing the soil to fall on top of them. The worker suffered serious injuries, including a broken leg and internal injuries.
An investigation by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development revealed that HCL Site Services had failed to ensure the trench was properly shored or sloped to prevent collapse. The company also failed to provide adequate training to its workers on trench safety and did not conduct regular inspections of the trench to identify potential hazards.
The investigation found that the company had been warned about the risks of trench collapse on several occasions prior to the incident, but failed to take adequate measures to address the issue. The court ruled that HCL Site Services had breached its duty to ensure a safe working environment for its employees and had failed to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
In addition to the $100,000 fine, the company was also ordered to pay a 25% victim fine surcharge, which will go towards supporting victims of crime in the province. The fine and surcharge will total $125,000.
The incident highlights the importance of ensuring worker safety in the construction industry, particularly when it comes to trench work. Trench collapses can be deadly, and it is essential that employers take all necessary precautions to prevent such incidents from occurring. This includes providing adequate training, conducting regular inspections, and ensuring that all safety protocols are in place.
The fine imposed on HCL Site Services serves as a reminder to employers of the serious consequences of failing to prioritize worker safety. The company’s failure to take adequate measures to prevent the trench collapse has resulted in serious injuries to one of its workers and a significant financial penalty. The incident underscores the need for employers to take a proactive approach to workplace safety and to prioritize the well-being of their employees.