January 11, 2010

Occupational Health and Safety

Shifting slab led to worker’s death on bridge in Oakville, Ontario

VINCE VERSACE

staff writer

When the concrete slab a worker was cutting shifted below him, it triggered a quick series of events that led to his death on the Bronte Road bridge in Oakville, Ont., according to the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

The worker was on the bridge, located at the westbound Queen Elizabeth Way and Bronte Road in Oakville, cutting a slab of concrete using a walk-behind cutter last month.

The slab shifted, causing him to fall to a scaffolding system, almost 11 feet below, set up underneath the concrete bridge deck.

The concrete slab then broke free, fell and landed on the worker.

The worker was pronounced dead at the scene.

The employer of the deceased is Cobi Concrete, which was subcontracted by Northern Machinery.

The project constructor is Aecon Construction.

Five orders and three requirements were issued to Aecon by the ministry in the aftermath of the accident. Among the orders are that Aecon ensure a fall-protection system is put in place for workers, where they are exposed to a fall of at least 3.25 metres.

Aecon provided this plan to the ministry inspector before cutting on the bridge resumed.

Aecon was also ordered to supply plans that specify how workers cutting the deck will be protected from fall hazards and how the constructor plans to remove the concrete deck that fell on the scaffolding, before work continues in the project area.

The companies involved were required to provide documentation about the equipment involved.

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