Two Calgary homebuilders have been fined a collective $250,000 for an accident almost two years ago that left a worker with serious injuries. Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) said Excel Management Limited Partnership, operating as Excel Homes, and Benchmark Cribbing Inc. pleaded guilty on June 2 for failing to maintain worker safety. On Dec. 16, 2023, workers were installing forms for a basement foundation when the cage holding the panels fell, striking and pinning one of them. The victim suffered serious injuries in the incident. Each company was charged with four offences under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, but three of those charges were withdrawn by the Crown. Excel Homes, as the contractor, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the workers were properly trained to perform the work in a healthy and safe manner. Benchmark, the employer, admitted to failing to ensure the storage racks and equipment were placed on a firm foundation. The fine against Excel Homes is due immediately, while OHS gave Benchmark until Dec. 23 to pay. Officials say the penalty includes a 20 per cent victim fine surcharge.
