WorkSafe B.C. imposed more than $19,000 in fines against New Westminster construction companies in 2012.
Four local companies were among the 225 employers in British Columbia that were fined for work-related safety issues, according to the agency's 2012 enforcement report.
The highest penalty levied in New Westminster was against New-Age Roofing, for $7,500.
The company was fined because one of the firm's workers was installing roofing material on a sloped roof about 20 feet above the ground without being attached to a lifeline.
The firm failed to ensure its worker used the required fall protection, and this was a repeated violation, according to the report.
"Penalties are imposed to motivate employers to comply with health and safety laws," said Al Johnson, vice-president prevention services for WorkSafe B.C., in a press release. "While WorkSafe B.C. works with employers to ensure they understand their legal responsibilities to provide safe and healthy workplaces, our officers will impose a penalty or pursue court processes against employers who repeatedly fail to comply with the law."
WorkSafe B.C. also levied a fine of $7,119 against Toro's Contracting Services for infractions in New Westminster. The report states the company failed to ensure workers were protected from falling from a height of 25 feet on a roof covered in snow and ice. This was also a repeated violation.
New World Roofing was fined $2,500 for failing to ensure workers used required fall protection while they worked 34 feet above the ground on a sloped roof. One worker wore no fall protection at all, according to the report. This was also a repeated violation.
Taha & Sons Site Services was fined $2,500 for failing to provide WorkSafe B.C. with a written compliance report "within a reasonable time," according to the enforcement report.
The agency had ordered the company to submit the report after there were asbestos-related safety violations discovered at the company's worksite during an inspection. In total, WorkSafeBC imposed 260 penalties against 225 employers in 2012, totalling $2.9 million for violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and the Workers Compensation Act.
