Contractor Fined $80,000 After Worker Injured by Falling Pipe
On May 10, 2023, a worker was injured at an industrial facility in Whitby, Ontario, when a section of pipe fell during furnace-related work. The incident occurred while crews were repositioning pipe skids connected to a horizontal cooling pipe. A chain fall was used to support one side of the pipe, while the opposite side relied on bolts that were known to be unsuitable for the task. When the pipe was lifted slightly to create clearance, the connection failed, causing the pipe to fall and injure a worker.
A recent conviction in Ontario highlights the serious risks associated with improper bracing and temporary supports during construction and maintenance work.
Under Ontario Regulation 213/91, employers must ensure that all structures, including temporary supports, are adequately braced to prevent movement that could lead to failure or collapse.
This includes:
- Ensuring all components are properly secured and rated for the load
- Verifying temporary supports before any adjustment or lifting activity
- Addressing known hazards before proceeding with work
- Providing proper supervision and oversight
The Charges and Contributing Factors
- Offence: Failure to ensure that all parts of the project, including temporary supports, were adequately braced to prevent movement or collapse
- Conviction Date: March 3, 2026
- Penalty: $80,000 fine
- Additional: 25 percent victim fine surcharge applied under the Provincial Offences Act
- Use of incorrect bolts that were not suitable for the load
- Failure to properly brace and support the pipe during repositioning
- Reliance on temporary measures without ensuring stability
- Lack of corrective action after hazards were identified by workers
Lessons for Employers and Contractors
This incident reinforces that small decisions can have serious consequences, especially when dealing with suspended loads and temporary supports.
Key takeaways:
- Never proceed with known deficiencies such as incorrect hardware
- Ensure all loads are fully supported and balanced before repositioning
- Implement proper inspection and verification processes
- Empower workers to stop work when unsafe conditions are identified
- Reinforce training on rigging, lifting, and load stability
