In a significant legal development, Pickard Construction, an Owen Sound-based telecommunications installation company, was handed a $200,000 fine after a critical workplace injury incident that took place in the Township of Tiny, Ontario. The incident and subsequent conviction have sparked important discussions on workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred in 2022 at a construction site situated at the northeast corner of Glenway Road and Concession Road 13. Pickard Construction workers were engaged in clearing a blockage from a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe using compressed air. The mule tape—a tool used for locating buried fiber-optic cables—suddenly dislodged and shot into the air. Tragically, the tape made contact with a nearby live hydro line, causing serious injuries to a worker who was stationed at the pipe’s endpoint.
Investigation and Findings
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development carried out a comprehensive investigation, concluding that Pickard Construction had neglected essential safety measures. Specifically, the company failed to safeguard workers against hazards associated with nearby energized electrical equipment and conductors. Ontario Regulation 213/91 outlines the necessary precautions for worker protection, and the company’s failure to adhere to these rules constituted a breach of section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
On October 1, 2024, Pickard Construction pleaded guilty in Provincial Offences Court in Barrie. Justice of the Peace Douglas Conley imposed a $200,000 fine for the safety violation. In addition, a mandatory 25% victim fine surcharge, as stipulated by the Provincial Offences Act, was added to the penalty. The surcharge is allocated to a special government fund that provides support to victims of crime.
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Response from Pickard Construction
In the aftermath of the incident, Pickard Construction has taken action to enhance workplace safety and prevent similar accidents. The company has implemented new written procedures specifically for the use of compressed air when clearing HDPE pipes. This proactive step aims to address the safety lapses identified during the investigation and ensure worker protection in future projects.
The Broader Impact on Workplace Safety
This case underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations in the construction industry, particularly when working near live electrical systems. The Ministry of Labour continues to emphasize the necessity of rigorous safety practices to protect workers from preventable accidents.
Pickard Construction was contracted for a project to install underground fiber-optic lines, aiming to expand high-speed internet access in rural southwestern Ontario. Despite this progress, the incident has cast a spotlight on the vital need for companies to prioritize employee safety alongside infrastructure development.
The substantial fine and the lessons learned from this incident serve as a stern reminder of the consequences of non-compliance with safety laws and the human cost of inadequate safety measures.
Moving Forward
The Ministry of Labour has reiterated that it will remain vigilant in enforcing safety standards to minimize workplace injuries. Construction firms are urged to continually assess and update safety protocols to meet regulatory requirements and ensure worker welfare.
For more details and official updates, visit Ontario’s Ministry of Labour website or review court records for comprehensive case documentation.
This comprehensive coverage highlights the critical elements of the case and the significance of enhanced safety measures in hazardous work environments.
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