WORKSAFEBC recently imposed a penalty on Surrey employer J & J Framing for $100,040.80 for repeated, high-risk violations.

Since 2014, this employer has received 11 administrative penalties, totaling $255,155.10, WorkSafeBC said on Monday.

Firm: J & J Framing Ltd..
Worksite: Surrey
Current amount: $100,040.80
Date imposed: September 2

This firm was framing a three-storey house. WorkSafeBC inspected the site and observed three workers, one of whom was a supervisor, at the leading edge of the second level. No form of fall protection was in place, exposing the workers to a fall risk of 3.7 m (12 ft.). The firm failed to ensure fall protection was used, a high-risk violation. The firm also failed to provide its workers with the information, instruction, training, and supervision necessary to ensure their health and safety. These were both repeated violations.

Firm: J & J Framing Ltd.
Worksite: Abbotsford
Current amount: $50,020.40
Date imposed: March 1

This firm was working on the construction of a two-storey house. WorkSafeBC inspected the site and observed five workers sheeting the sloped roof. The workers were wearing fall protection harnesses but were not connected to lifelines. No other form of fall protection was in place, exposing the workers to a fall risk greater than 7.6 m (25 ft.). The firm failed to ensure fall protection was used, a repeated and high-risk violation. 

Firm: J & J Framing Ltd.
Worksite: Mission
Current amount: $29,425.60
Date imposed: May 14, 2021

This firm was working on the construction of a two-level commercial building. WorkSafeBC observed one worker on a narrow ledge, installing roof sheeting. The worker was not using a personal fall protection system and no other form of fall protection was in place. This exposed the worker to a fall risk of about 6.7 m (22 ft.). WorkSafeBC issued a stop-work order. The firm failed to ensure fall protection was used, a repeated and high-risk violation. 

Background on penalties:

· Media backgrounder on administrative penalties

· WorkSafeBC’s penalty database allows you to search for penalties by employer

Background on Fall Protections:

· Falls from heights, even relatively low elevations, can result in serious injuries.

· Falls from elevation continue to drive the serious injury rate in construction.

· The proper use of fall protection equipment — in addition to planning, supervision, and training — can reduce or eliminate the risk of falling.

· The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation requires workers to use fall protection systems when they could fall from a height of 3 m (10 ft.) or more, or where a fall from a lesser height could result in serious injury.