by WorkSafe B.C. imposed more than $225,000 in penalties in New Westminster last year.
Eight local companies were among the 352 British Columbia firms that were fined for work-related safety issues, according to the agency’s 2011 enforcement report. The highest penalty against a New West company went to Penfolds Roofing for $139,853.
The company was fined because two of the firm’s employees were working near the edge of an unguarded roof, about six metres above grade, without using fall protection. A steel bin was on the ground beneath the work area, increasing the risk for injury. The company did not ensure workers used fall protection and didn’t provide training, the WorkSafe report states.
Penfolds’ hefty penalty reflects the fact that the company received a fine for similar violations less than three years before.
“Monetary penalties are imposed on employers for repeated or serious violations of occupational health and safety regulations and to motivate them to comply with their legal responsibilities,” Jeff Dolan, director of investigations for WorkSafe B.C., said in a media release. “An employer is not penalized if they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent risks to their workers.”
Other New Westminster companies that received fines: Read more, see the list of fines: Roofing biz nets biggest penalty
