WorkSafeBC Fines Three Employers $184,000 for Structural Collapse at University of Victoria

On June 8, a structural collapse at the University of Victoria's construction site resulted in a severe injury to a worker. An investigation by WorkSafeBC revealed that the collapse was caused by high-risk safety violations committed by the three employers involved in the project. As a result, WorkSafeBC has fined Bird Construction GP Limited, Viking Reinforcing, and A.R.M. Reinforcing a total of $184,000.

Key Takeaways:

WorkSafeBC fined Bird Construction GP Limited $140,209.70 for failing to ensure health and safety activities at the worksite were coordinated.
Viking Reinforcing Ltd. was fined $36,089.65 for failing to ensure partial structures were supported to safely withstand loads and for not providing workers with necessary information, instruction, training, and supervision.
A.R.M. Reinforcing Ltd. was fined $7,742.91 for the same reasons as Viking Reinforcing Ltd.
The investigation found that the structure was not supported according to standing practice, leading to the collapse of the tower and the injury of the worker.
The employer had no written instructions from a professional engineer regarding the bracing of the tower prior to the collapse.
The fines are a result of high-risk safety violations committed by the employers during the construction project.

Statistics:

Total fines: $184,000
Number of fines issued: 3
Amount fined to Bird Construction GP Limited: $140,209.70
Amount fined to Viking Reinforcing Ltd.: $36,089.65
Amount fined to A.R.M. Reinforcing Ltd.: $7,742.91
Date of incident: June 8

Sources:

WorkSafeBC Investigation Report
WorkSafeBC Statement online