A developer in B.C.’s Fraser Valley has been fined $80,500 and placed on probation over workplace safety violations at an Abbotsford construction site nearly three years ago. WorkSafeBC said the “landmark case” against Nirmal Singh Takhar, owner of Phoenix Homes Ltd., sets an important precedent for the province’s construction sector. “This sentencing sends a clear message: Workplace safety is a legal obligation for employers,” said Todd McDonald, head of prevention services at the agency, in a statement. An investigation found Takhar told workers to pour concrete from a suspended slab ramp that lacked an engineer’s approval—and that while the concrete was being poured, other workers began removing temporary shoring supports from beneath the ramp. “Shortly afterward, a portion of the ramp collapsed, sending concrete and debris to the floor below,” WorkSafeBC said in a news release Monday. An occupational safety officer had already ordered crews to leave the area by that point, and no one was injured. After the incident, a stop-work order and caution tape were put up at the scene—but WorkSafeBC said Takhar told three people to begin cleaning up wet concrete there anyway, exposing them to “a risk of serious injury or death.” He was ultimately charged with several violations under B.C.’s Workers Compensation Act and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, and pleaded guilty on March 19. His fine was handed down this month. During his two-year probation, Takhar will be prohibited from acting as a site safety officer at any construction site, and must report to a probation officer. He is also required to retain a qualified health and safety consultant to “create a compliant safety program,” and ensure all of his companies comply with the WCA and OHSR requirements, WorkSafeBC said.
