Ministry issues orders after roofing worker injured in fall

(Canadian OH&S News) — A recent falling accident during roofing work at a GoodLife Fitness location in Windsor, Ont. has prompted the provincial Ministry of Labour (MOL) to issue several orders to the victim’s employer.

The incident occurred on the morning of July 15, but was not reported publicly until the following week. That day, Rauth Roofing Limited was performing flat roofing work at the fitness centre’s two-storey Dougall Avenue location, according to MOL spokesperson William Lin.

“It was reported that a worker fell through an opening in the roof down to the floor below,” said Lin. “Emergency services were contacted, and the worker was transported to hospital.”

The MOL was also notified of the accident that day and began investigating immediately.

The Ministry later issued five orders and two requirements to Rauth, said Lin. “The orders issued were pertaining to adequate installation of a floor cover, adequate installation of a section of guardrails, securing top and bottom of an access ladder, the installation of bump lines and the selection of a health and safety representative for the project. And in addition to those orders, we issued two requirement orders for holding a portion of the incident scene and for some documentation.

“It’s my understanding that the requirement to hold the scene has been complied with,” added Lin, “and our investigation is now ongoing.”

Local media reports have identified the victim as a 53-year-old male. Lin could not confirm the worker’s present condition.

Rauth Roofing Limited is a family-owned company founded in 1947, according to the firm website. The company, which installs high-technology flat-roof systems throughout Windsor and Essex County, received Carlisle’s ESP Award for Excellence in Single-Ply last year.

There is no word yet as to whether the victim was using fall-protection equipment at the time of the accident. In Ontario, workers are required to use fall-arrest gear anytime they are liable to fall at least three metres.

“If fall protection is required, establish a complete fall-protection program if one is not in place,” recommends the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety on its website. “The program should include training workers, selecting, fitting and inspecting the equipment.”