Burlington Firms Hit with $230K Fine Over 2022 Fatality

Burlington Firms Hit

Two Burlington companies are paying a steep price after a tragic workplace accident in 2022.

New Horizon Development Group (Waterdown) Inc. and TKEM Electric Ltd. were fined a combined total of $230,000 for their roles in the fatal fall of an electrician at a Hamilton construction site.

New Horizon will pay a $130,000 fine on the hook for the larger share, while TKEM Electric will be charged $100,000.

The fines stem from violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that led to the electrician’s death.

The fatal incident took place on August 16, 2022, at a commercial building site at 40 Mallard Trail, where a worker was performing electrical work on the roof of a two-story building, running wire up to the top.

Tragically, the worker fell to the ground below, suffering fatal injuries.

However, the lack of proper safety measures made the situation even more avoidable.

The roof had a parapet wall, but there was no temporary fencing or guarding to prevent such falls.

The stairwell providing access to the roof was also left unlocked, and there were no signs to warn workers of the danger at the roof’s edge.

It’s clear from the investigation that New Horizon failed to ensure adequate warning signs were in place.

Meanwhile, TKEM Electric was found negligent for not providing the necessary instruction, supervision, or awareness about the fall hazard to the worker.

Along with the fines, a 25 percent victim fine surcharge was added to the total amount.

This surcharge will be directed to a provincial government fund designed to assist victims of crime, a small but meaningful step toward helping those affected by workplace tragedies.

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