Construction Company Fined $150,000 After Worker Killed

Toronto, ON. - Maple Leaf Structural Limited, now operating as Structform International Limited, of Toronto, was fined $150,000 on October 4, 2010, for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that caused a worker's death.

On May 12, 2008, Maple Leaf Structural Limited was a subcontractor doing concrete framework at a building project at 825 Bay St. in Toronto. At the request of the constructor, Maple Leaf workers began moving an outrigger platform from the 23^rd story to the 22^nd story of the north tower of the project. As the crane operator moved the platform away from the 23^rd floor, a worker on that story noticed a piece of cast-iron pipe rolling towards the edge of the building. The worker was unable to grab the pipe before it fell. The falling pipe struck and killed a worker crossing a mezzanine twenty floors below.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the mezzanine was not secured or taped off while the platform was being moved overhead. There was also no overhead protection in that location and no signage or person warning workers of the overhead hazard.

Maple Leaf Structural Limited pleaded guilty to failing to ensure an outrigger platform was moved in a manner that did not endanger a worker.

The fine was imposed by Judge Robert Bigelow. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

Court Information at a Glance

Location:                    Ontario Court of Justice

                                    Old City Hall

                                    60 Queen St. W.

                                    Toronto, ON

Judge:                         Judge Robert Bigelow

Date of Conviction:     October 4, 2010

Defendants:                Maple Leaf Structural Limited, now operating as
                                   Structform International Inc.

Matter:                        Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:                 Ontario Regulation 213/91, Section 37(1)

Crown Counsel:         Alexandra Bednar

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