Improper fall protection equipment leads to $10K fine

Firm also did not have written fall protection plan

IG Roofing has been fined $10,000 by WorkSafeBC.

 

This firm was roofing a three-story residential building in Langley, B.C. WorkSafeBC observed one of the firm's workers on a 9:12 sloped roof. The worker, a supervisor, was observed walking down the roof wearing a fall protection harness that was not connected to a lifeline.

 

The worker then connected to a lifeline attached to a bracket that wasn't suitable for use as a fall protection anchor.

 

A second worker was also observed at the unguarded edge of a wall opening wearing a fall protection harness that was not connected to a lifeline. No guardrails or other forms of fall protection were in place, exposing the workers to fall risks of up to 9.1 metres (30 feet).

 

In addition, no fall protection plan was available. The firm failed to ensure fall protection was used, a high-risk violation, and failed to have a written fall protection plan in place.

 

The firm also failed to provide its workers with the information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to ensure their health and safety. These were all repeated violations. 

 

Source: WorkSafeBC