A Mississauga-based scaffolding company plead guilty and was fined $85,000 after a worker was permanently injured in a fall from a faulty scaffold.

The worker fell approximately seven metres after a rotten blank on the scaffold gave way.  As a result, the worker suffered permanent injuries and is unable to return to work.

An investigation by the Ministry of Labour found that the plank the worker was standing on showed signs of rot and had some cracks.  Contrary to the Construction Projects Regulations.

The lesson here is that employers are responsible for ensuring workers and supervisors not only conduct routine inspections on all equipment( not just safety equipment), but, more importantly, they replace faulty parts or equipment.  As part of an effective equipment maintenance and prevention program, employers must ensure that inspections are scheduled and carried out.  This includes reviewing the inspection forms before signing off on them.

Don't wait until a workplace injury occurs.  Be proactive.  Plan ahead.

Source: Ministry of Labour/Government of Ontario