access canada-Oct.-2012.indd - Scaffold Industry Association of

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ACCESS CANADA
Scaffold Industry Association of Canada
www.scaffoldaccess.ca
- The Corporate Criminal Liability
Landscape in Canada.
- Scaffolder Upgrade Policy
(Atlantic Canada)
October 2012
Publication Adreement
No. 41440042
For Safety, Quality and Productivity use the
Professionally Trained and Certified members of the Carpenters Union
The only Union you need for all your Scaffold building requirements
222 Rowntree Dairy Road
Woodbridge ON L4L 9T2
Phone: 905-652-4140
Fax: 905-652-4139
www.carpenterdc.com
Table of Contents
Cover: Courtesy of Skyhigh Canada, a
Division of Skyway Canada
Canadian Museum for Human Rights,
Winnipeg MB
www.skycan.ca
EDITOR IN CHIEF
John O’Hara
joharaorbital@rogers.com
FALL PROTECTION
John Rosenthal
johnr@dunn-wright.ca
MAST CLIMBING PLATFORMS
Jim Wilkinson
james.wilkinson@rogers.com
EDITOR
Bill Nasrala
bill.nasrala@sympatico.ca
PEWPS
Graham McLeod
graham@skyriderequipment.com
ADVERTISING
Bill Nasrala
info@scaffoldaccess.ca
SWINGSTAGE
Ian Haig
ian@enscaf.com
LEGAL CONTRIBUTOR
Cheryl Edwards
CEdwards@heenan.ca
MEMBERSHIP
Chris Earnshaw
cearnshaw@bell.net
PRODUCTION ADVISOR
Al Squire
asquire8347@rogers.com
TRAINING
John Rosenthal
MEMBERSHIP
Chris Earnshaw
cearnshaw@bell.net
WEBSITE
Bill Nasrala
bill.nasrala@sympatico.ca
TECHNICAL ADVISOR
Jim Wilkinson
FORMING & SHORING
Michael Craig
mcraig@aluma.com
TECHNICAL ADVISOR
John Rosenthal
ACCESS CANADA Magazine is
Published by the staff of the Scaffold
Industry Association of Canada. The
magazine’s content does not reflect
the opinion of the Scaffold Industry
Association of Canada, nor does the
Association assume any responsibility
for articles and artwork.
Canada Post Publications Mail
Agreement No. 41440042.
Please return undeliverable Canadian
addresses to:
SIAC, 116 Greenshire Drive
Hamilton, Ontario L9C 7G5
Tel: 905-387-3646
COMMITTEES
2011 - 2013
articles
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5
7
9
15
16
20
22
24
26
31
33
President’s Report.
Klimer Manufacturing Inc. Press Release.
Let’s Talk About …Aluminum Access Towers.
Legal Issues.
The Real Hazard-An Incomplete Job Survey, Part 2 of 2.
Skyway Canada Profile.
Industrial Strenth Bracing.
Winter Netting.
Heavy Loads Mastered Easily - with Layher.
Scaffolder Upgrade policy (Atlantic Canada).
Rooftop Rigging Innovation.
HKF 5th Annual Golf Tournament.
For Membership and Advertising
info@scaffoldaccess.ca
ACCESS CANADA www.scaffoldaccess.ca
OCTOBER 2012
3
Scaffold Industry Association of Canada - Ontario Chapter
From the President..................................................................Summer Time
H
aving recently returned from the SAIA convention in Huntington Beach, California, I can honestly say
that there have been tremendous steps forward in the convention during the last few years and kudos to
outgoing President Stephen Smith and his team for these positive changes.
One of the many interesting sessions I attended was a panel discussion that included Health and Safety executives
O
from some of the larger construction companies in North America. Of special note was the safe working at height
fr
ddebate and what measures are being taken to ensure that the scaffold erector is protected at all times during both
cconstruction and removal of the scaffold structure.
IIt was commented by a panel member that fall prevention by means of advanced guardrails currently in use in
many parts of Europe as opposed to fall protection that is the current method in North America should be seriously
m
cconsidered for future safe working at height practice. Having seen both in use there is no doubt that prevention by
means of “Collective Protection Guidance” currently in use in the United Kingdom is the standard that we should
m
be adopting in Canada.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2011-2013
PRESIDENT
John O’Hara
joharaorbital@rogers.com
ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT
Al Squire
asquire8347@rogers.com
SECRETARY
Chris Earnshaw
cearnshaw@rogers.com
TREASURER
Graham McLeod
graham@skyriderequipment.com
DIRECTOR
Roger Marsland
rmarsland@scafom.com
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR
John Rosenthal
DIRECTOR
Owen Lubinski
owen@mills-scaffold.com
DIRECTOR
Bill Nasrala
biill.nasrala@sympatico.ca
DIRECTOR
James Wilkinson
DIRECTOR
Michael Van Volsen
mikevanvolsen@rogers.com
During the convention the SIAC held our annual national meeting that was very well attended and discussions
on several topics meant for a very lively evening session. One item of note was the completion of the DVD
on User Scaffold Hazard Awareness by the Western Canadian Chapter which is a comprehensive twenty
six minute concise introduction to many of the hazards that face users of scaffold structures. The DVD is
available from the SAIA training centre or contact your local Accredited Training Institute for further details.
The Western Canadian Chapter also reported that application has been made to the Alberta Government for
red seal for “Trade Occupation for Industrial Scaffolding” and vote on
this was expected in the fall session. On the same topic Atlantic Canada
SIAC NATIONAL COUNCIL
Chapter reported that the Regional Council of Carpenters, Millwrights
Al Squire, Chairman
and Allied Workers have compiled a “Scaffolder Upgrade Policy” that
Ontario Chapter
states that “in order to work on any UBC site, members must have a
scaffolding certificate from a recognized training program”, that includes
John O’Hara
Apprentice levels 2 and 3 prior to achieving Journeyman status. This
Ontario Chapter
new policy will be effective September 01, 2012.
With the approval of the Regional Council the entire document is included
in this issue and is another major step in the right direction to ensure
individuals are trained to recognized standards in the scaffold industry.
Now if only Unions in other Provinces, not currently participating in
scaffold training would adopt this Policy, we might just be on the way to
creating a uniform Journeyman Certification for scaffolders in Canada.
The Suspended Access committee continues to participate in the
proposed revision to the current regulations however there has been no
further meetings since April and we still have not had the opportunity
to present our case to the Minister after the MOL advised us that they
intended to include all scaffolds in the April 2012 amendments to the
proposed revisions.
Julie Rainville
Quebec Chapter
Randy Dwernychuk
Western Canada Chapter
Gary Bilodeau
Wendy Larison
Eric Roberts
Atlantic Canada Chapter
The CSA 269.2 M87 Standard proposed revision needs funding and
I would ask all stakeholders within the Access and Scaffold Industry and all users to seriously consider
contributing to the funds that will be required to move forward with this initiative. The entire industry will
benefit from an updated Standard for the Design and Testing of scaffold in Canada.
Finally we recently held our annual Harold K. Forbes Memorial golf tournament at Diamond Back G.C. A
wonderful day was had by all with some record scores, great weather and time to renew some old
acquaintances.
J h O’Hara
John
O’H
iis P
President
id t off O
Orbital
bitt l S
bi
Scaffold
ff ld S
Services.
i
You can contact him at (647) 991-3047 or e-mail joharaorbital@rogers.com
4
OCTOBER 2012
ACCESS CANADA
Klimer Manufacturing Inc. Press Release
OCTOBER 2012
5
A Trusted name...
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traction hoist, Blocstop® secondary brake,
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Portafix® suspension systems, and much
more.
A passion for heights...
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Tractel Swingstage the premier leader in
design, engineering, manufacturing and supply of building access and window washing
equipment. Having designed permanent
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on some of the highest and most prestigious structures in the world.
A natural evolution...
Fallstop® offers complete fall protection
systems, from full body harness and lanyards to patented devices such as
Travsafe® lifeline system, the Blocfor® selfretracting lifeline, the Stopfor® rope grabs
and the Derope® emergency escape / controlled descent device.
Three Divisions One Mission - Worker Safety
Griphoist® Division
1-800-421-0246
Swingstage® Division
1-800-465-4738
Fallstop® Division
1-800-561-3229
Tel: 781-401-3288 Fax: 781-828-3642
Tel: 416-298-8822 Fax: 416-298-1053
Tel: 514-493-3332 Fax: 514-493-3342
w w w . t r a c t e l . c o m
Let’s Talk About …Aluminum Access Towers
By John Rosenthal, P. Eng. johnr@dunn-wright.ca
A
luminum Access Towers are the quick-erect aluminum towers we generally see used in
school gymnasiums and such. Their main purpose is to let workers reach a height where
they can do the work required, such as changing light bulbs in the ceiling, and so on.
F
For the most part, manufacturers of Aluminum Access Towers are members of an association like
oour SSFI (Scaffold, Shoring and Forming Institute), called PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers’
aand Manufacturers’ Association). PASMA is the recognized focus and authority for mobile access
ttowers. As such, it promotes safety, standards and best practices across a wide range of sectors and
rrepresents the interests of manufacturers, suppliers, specifiers and users.
T
There are numerous manufacturers and brand names of aluminum access towers. The following is
a list of those identified on the PASMA web site:
TOWER BRAND NAMES
Aliscaff, Aliscaff Span Tower, Aliscaff Stairladder
Tower, Aliscaff Stairwell, Aliscaff Quad Tower
Alto Tower, MD Tower, Room Scaffold, Pulpit
Klik Tower, Klik Fold, Klik Stairwell, Klik Stak,
Klik Minifold, Klik Microfold, Klik Guardrail Post
EIGER500, EIGER200, EIGER100, EIGERDECK
Boss Tower, Snaplok Tower, Easi-build Tower,
Climalloy Tower, Zig Zag Tower, Hi-way Tower,
Room Mate, Minimax
OCTO® 250 BetaGuard® Tower, OCTO® 500
BetaGuard® Tower, BETA® BetaGuard® Tower,
Sigmadeck, Omegadeck, Alphastep, Deltadeck
Instant Tower, Zip Up Tower, Spandeck, Snappy
Helix, HiLyte, LIFT System, StairLyte
MANUFACTURERS’ WEB SITES
www.aliscaff.co.uk
www.alto-towers.co.uk
www.eurotowers.co.uk
www.popupproducts.co.uk
www.youngmangroup.com
www.turner-access.co.uk
www.instantupright.com
www.lyteladders.co.uk
Aluminum Access Towers, because they are manufactured in Europe, are tested to ensure they conform with the EN
1004 specification. They are intended to be Light-Duty scaffolds, intended to support only workers and their tools.
The members of PASMA have developed a procedure for installing guardrails in advance of the workers arriving
onto the elevated work platform. The procedure, referred to as 3T or Through The Trap, depends on different sizes
of Base Frames being available. If the working platform is to be an odd number of metres (i.e. 3,5,7,9 etc.) above
the support surface, 2 metre frames should be used as base frames. This allows the first temporary erection deck
to be fitted at 1 metre, leaving a metre of frame height above it for attaching guardrails prior to accessing the level.
Subsequent decks are placed at 2 metre intervals above the initial erection deck, giving odd (3,5,7 metre etc.) deck
heights. In this manner, guardrails are always in place before the worker accesses the platform. Similarly, if the
working platform is to be an even number of metres above the supporting surface, the base frames would be 3 metre
frames.
The procedure is not quite intuitive, but with practice, it becomes second nature. We won’t go into the procedure
here, but if it should be required, the supplier can provide detailed instructions. Sufficient training, combined
with necessary experience, must also be considered and be appropriate to achieve competency to undertake basic
assembly of mobile access towers.
OCTOBER 2012
7
Let’s Talk About …Aluminum Access Towers
As with any rolling tower, the SIAC Code of Safe Practice should be referred to and followed.
Because the towers are light in weight, they require stabilizers or outriggers to ensure their stability. It’s necessary to
be aware of the positioning of the stabilizers, as they must be set on such an angle to the frames, so that the overall base
dimensions of the tower are equal.
This type of tower is intended to be climbed from the inside of the tower, using the horizontal members of the frames.
Some manufacturers provide frames with a built-in ladder. Working platforms for Single-Wide towers all have trap
doors for access to the working level. Double-Width towers may use trap door platforms on one side of the tower, and
solid platforms on the other.
The advantage of climbing on the inside of the tower is that there is no danger of creating an overturning moment.
Another advantage is that, as long as the worker remembers to close the trap door behind him/her, the maximum fall
distance is 2 metres. Often, the manufacturer’s instructions state that the access to each level should be staggered –
climbing one end of the scaffold to reach one level, and then traversing to the opposite end of the tower to climb to the
next level.
Tower components should be handled with care in order to avoid damage to either the person handling the equipment
or the equipment itself. Components need to be firmly secured and properly supported, when being transported, to
prevent damage. In long term storage, towers should be protected from the weather. Prior to use, all tower components
must be inspected for signs of damage or defects. Damaged, defective or incorrect components must be marked as
unfit for use, withdrawn from use and either repaired or destroyed. Casters and adjustable legs should be periodically
lubricated to keep them free running.
Each manufacturer has a variety of frame heights and widths, and all sorts of accessory components to help make the
best use of the product. Once a particular product has been chosen, it is wise to keep in touch with the manufacturer’s
representative to be able to make the best use of the equipment. The more your supplier knows about your business
and how you carry out your work, the better the SUPPLIER CAN ASSIST YOU IN SELECTING AND USING THE
MOST ADVANTAGEOUS BITS AND PIECES TO DO YOUR JOB.
8
OCTOBER 2012
ACCESS CANADA
Legal Issues
By Jeremy Warning, Cheryl Edwards & Shane D. Todd
OCTOBER 2012
9
Legal Issues
•
Demonstrates how Bill C-45 has managed to
broaden the means by which to prove criminal
negligence. The Metron case appears to show
that one of the main objectives in amending
the Criminal Code – making it easier to obtain
criminal negligence convictions against
organizations – has been met. Whether this
will embolden police and prosecutors to
pursue more corporate criminal negligence
charges following workplace accidents remain
to be seen.
In this Update, we discuss the significance of the
case and what it represents in the evolution of
corporate criminal liability for health and safety
in Canada.
Basis for the Criminal Negligence Finding: The
Detailed Facts Revealed
Several of the facts about the December 24,
2009 accident are common knowledge due to the
media coverage of this event. However, the facts
presented to the court to support a conviction on
the charge of criminal negligence causing death
reveal significant details that were not widely
known. Those facts allow for fuller context
on the accident and should be considered by all
organizations.
at a localized level. Based on the definition of
“senior officer” in the Criminal Code it does
not appear likely that the result would have been
different if the Metron case involved a larger, more
hierarchical organization. Metron demonstrates
that the behaviour of people with a high degree of
localized responsibility can attract criminal liability
for an entire organization.
What is also significant about the criminal
negligence being grounded solely on the conduct
of the Site Supervisor is that his conduct displaced
a number of positive steps that were taken by
Metron prior to the accident. The facts accepted
in court reveal that Metron had taken several steps
inconsistent with wanton and reckless disregard for
the lives and safety of the workers on the project.
The Crown agreed that Metron representatives had:
Required that before any work commenced,
the owner of the building arrange for an
engineering inspection and recertification of
the roof anchors to ensure compliance with
safety requirements;
•
At all times, been cooperative and complied
with all requests made by the Ministry of
Labour inspector who had periodically
inspected the project from October to
December 2009;
The agreed facts reveal that the conduct that attracts
criminal liability to Metron is entirely that of the
Site Supervisor – one of the deceased. It was agreed
that the Site Supervisor was a “senior officer” of
Metron. He was responsible for managing an
important aspect of the organization’s activities –
the construction project at 2757 Kipling Avenue
– and he had a duty to take reasonable steps to
prevent injury to the workers he was managing.
This is notable because, prior to the enactment of
Bill C-45, the Site Supervisor was not someone
whose conduct would likely attract criminal
liability for the corporation. He was not employed
directly by Metron. He had his own construction
company and was hired by the Project Manager
who has also been charged under the Criminal
Code and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
As such, Metron’s conviction demonstrates how
Bill C-45 has expanded the potential routes for
establishing criminal negligence by a corporation.
•
Conducted periodic meetings
Ministry of Labour inspector;
•
Arranged for the Project Manager to take a
three-day swing stage training course, which
included some fall arrest training, through the
Construction Safety Association of Ontario
(“CSAO”) now IHSA;
•
Arranged for the Project Manager to attend,
immediately
after the three-day course,
another CSAO course that provided instruction
on how to train workers regarding the safe and
proper use of suspended access equipment;
Organizations should take note. Establishing
liability based on the conduct of a person like
the Site Supervisor may not prove unique to
Metron. It is common for organizations to have
site supervisors, branch, store or plant managers,
or some equivalent position.
•
Arranged for other workers on the project
to take a fall arrest course and swing stage
operations course that were to be taught by
the Project Manager or the third-party training
provider;
•
Ordered copies of a comprehensive safety
manual and instructed that a copy be given
to each worker;
Conducted periodic meetings
with
a) Liability Founded on Behaviour of Site
Supervisor
10
OCTOBER 2012
•
As dictated by the Metron Safety Manual,
performed weekly job site inspections,
which referenced both swing stages and fall
protection equipment, and were recorded and
submitted to Metron.
b) Positive Steps Taken by Corporation
•
Individuals in these roles are not typically in the
upper echelons of the corporate hierarchy, but do
have a high degree of responsibility and authority
workers, during the project, to review safety
requirements including the use of swing
stages; and
•
•
with the
Made arrangements for the Site Supervisor to
take a fall arrest course, provided by a thirdparty training provider, and a swing stage
operations course provided by the Project
Manager;
It was also agreed that Metron’s president attended
the project at least once per week and that he had
not observed any violations on the site.
c) Conduct of Third-Party Swing Stage
Provider
In addition, factors contributed to the accident that
did not directly involve the conduct of Metron.
The agreed facts indicate a significant cause of the
swing stage collapse was the design, including that
the welding completed by or for the swing stage
manufacturer was defective. Had the design,
including the welds, not been defective, it was
agreed that the swing stage would likely not have
collapsed.
The agreed facts also detail that the involved
swing stage was assembled by Metron workers
under the supervision of the Site Supervisor and/or
Project Manager and consisted of components that
did not have markings or identifiers regarding the
stage’s maximum capacity as required by industry
standard and the OHSA. As well, post-accident
examination of the swing stage revealed that
the welds were cracked and broken prior to the
collapse and the pin or bolt holes that connected
the swing stage’s modules were stressed, worn
and elongated. The agreed facts do not indicate
whether these conditions were something that
ought to have been detected by Metron or were
otherwise evidence of a marked departure from
the standards expected.
d) Conduct of Site Supervisor Displaces
Positive Steps by Corporation
The conduct of the Site Supervisor that displaced
the positive steps that were taken by Metron,
and was agreed as sufficient to render Metron
criminally negligent, included:
1. Directing or permitting six workers to work
on the swing stage when he knew, or should have
known, that it was unsafe to do so. The accident
occurred close to the end of the working day and
the men had boarded the swing stage to travel to
the ground to prepare to close and leave the project.
The swing stage that was in use would have been
rated to carry 1,000 pounds. The weight of the six
workers and the construction equipment that was
with them would have exceeded the rated capacity
of the swing stage.
ACCESS CANADA
Legal Issues
in Canadian history. Prior to this decision there
had only been one prior sentence imposed on a
corporation since the passage of Bill C-45. That
was a $100,000 fine imposed in 2008 on Transpavé
Inc. The St-Eustache, Quebec based company
pleaded guilty to one charge of criminal negligence
causing death after a worker was crushed in a
machine. However, in Transpavé the fine imposed
was jointly recommended by the Crown and
defendant. A joint submission was not presented
in Metron and, in argument, the Crown had asked
the court to impose a penalty of $1,000,000 – ten
times more than was imposed on Transpavé – while
Metron argued that the court should impose a fine
of $100,000.
c) Sentencing Principles Under the Criminal
Code - Corporations
The court did not utilize the option available to it
under the Criminal Code to place a corporation on
probation and impose conditions. Amongst other
powers, when imposing probation the court has the
power to require a corporation to:
In order to guide a court in sentencing corporate
defendants, the amendments to the Criminal Code
made by Bill C-45 also augmented the sentencing
factors to be considered by a court. In addition
to the principles noted above, the Criminal Code
requires a court to consider factors that are specific
to corporate defendants including:
2 Directing
2.
i i or permitting
i i six
i worke
workers
k to board the
swing stage knowing that only two lifelines were
available. The usual practice was to only have two
workers on the swing stage at a time. The workers
on the swing stage, given the height at which they
were working, were required by the OHSA and
industry standard to be protected by a fall arrest
system. As part of a fall arrest system, each worker
is to have their own lifeline. At the time of the
accident, there were only two lifelines available for
the six workers on the swing stage.
3. Permitting workers under the influence of drugs
to work on the project. The agreed facts reveal that
post-mortem toxicological analysis determined
that three of the four deceased, including the Site
Supervisor, had marijuana in their system. The
level at which it was detected was consistent with
recent ingestion. The agreed facts do not indicate
anything about possible impairment or potential
marijuana use by the Project Manager or the two
workers who survived the accident.
•
A review of the agreed facts suggests that these
factors were considered cumulatively to establish
that Metron had failed to take reasonable steps to
prevent bodily harm and death and, in so doing, had
demonstrated wanton and reckless disregard for the
lives or safety of others. We do not know if any of
these actions, taken alone, would be sufficient to
establish criminal negligence. Criminal negligence
is not established by the mere breach of a health
and safety requirement or industry standard. There
must be wanton or reckless disregard for lives or
safety before the departure from a legislated or
industry standard becomes criminal.
The Sentences and Their Significance
a) Metron’s President
The $90,000 fine imposed on Metron’s president is
the highest monetary penalty ever imposed against
an individual convicted of an offence under the
OHSA. Previously, the highest monetary penalty
imposed on an individual had been a fine of
$70,000.
The fine imposed also exceeds that levied against
the first defendant charged following the enactment
of Bill C-45. In 2005, the owner of a small
contracting firm, who was charged with one count
of criminal negligence causing death after a worker
was killed by the collapse of an excavation, pleaded
guilty to three charges under the OHSA and was
fined $50,000. As a result of the pleas to the OHSA
charges, the Crown withdrew the Criminal Code
charge.
b) Metron
The sentence of $200,000 imposed on Metron is
the highest ever imposed for a criminal negligence
conviction involving workplace health and safety
•
•
make restitution to a person for any loss or
damage that they suffered as a result of the
offence; and/or
provide information to the public, in the manner
directed by the court, setting out the offence
committed, the sentence imposed and any
measures the corporation is taking to reduce
the chance of a subsequent offence; and/or
The Criminal Code sets no minimum or maximum
penalty when a corporation is convicted of criminal
negligence causing death, meaning there is no limit
on the amount of the fine that may be imposed on
a corporate defendant. That said, the Criminal
Code does require that the sentence imposed be
proportional to the gravity of the offence and the
culpability or blameworthiness of the defendant.
As well, a sentence is to adhere to the principle of
parity such that similar sentences are imposed on
defendants convicted of similar offences in similar
circumstances.
•
any advantage realized by the organization as
a result of the offence;
•
the degree of planning involved in carrying out
the offence and the duration and complexity
of the offence;
•
whether the organization has attempted to
conceal its assets, or convert them, in order to
show that it is not able to pay a fine or make
restitution;
•
the impact that the sentence would have on the
economic viability of the organization and the
continued employment of its employees;
•
the cost to public authorities
of the
investigation and prosecution of the offence;
•
any regulatory penalty imposed on the
organization or one of its representatives in
respect of the conduct that formed the basis of
the offence;
•
whether the organization was — or any of
its representatives who were involved in the
commission of the offence were — convicted
of a similar offence or sanctioned by a
regulatory body for similar conduct; and
•
any measures that the organization has taken
to reduce the likelihood of it committing a
subsequent offence.
comply with any other reasonable conditions to
prevent the commission of subsequent offences
or to remedy the harm caused by the offence.
Probation was not addressed during the sentencing
submissions of the Crown or defence which made
it less likely to be imposed. Candidly, all of the
circumstances of the case – which includes its
notoriety and pending civil claims filed against
Metron – may have minimized the utility of a
probation order.
Beyond its quantum, the sentence is interesting
because the court sentenced Metron for the death
of the Site Supervisor and the others killed in the
accident. This is interesting because the Site
Supervisor and Metron were treated as one for
the purpose of finding Metron guilty of criminal
negligence: the Site Supervisor’s conduct was
the conduct of Metron. However, for sentencing
purposes, the Site Supervisor was considered a
victim of Metron’s criminal negligence. As such,
the decision in Metron suggests that not only can
the senior officer impute criminal liability to an
organization, if that senior officer is injured or killed
as a result of their conduct, the organization will be
sentenced for that death or injury the same as for any
other victim. Consequently, organizations should
take note that they may be sentenced for all harm
resulting from a criminal negligence conviction
notwithstanding that the perpetrator of the criminal
negligence is among the victims.
In this way, the Criminal Code has a flexible set
of sentencing criteria designed to guide a court
without suggesting or prescribing the amount or
nature of the penalty to be imposed.
OCTOBER 2012
11
Legal Issues
IIn
n Metron,
Met
etro
tron
n the
the
he court
courtt aapplied
ppli
pp
lied
li
ied tthese factors as
follows:
•
•
•
•
Advantage: Although Metron had been offered
a $50,000 bonus for the completion of work
by December 29th, there was no evidence
that the bonus was related to the incident and
therefore, there was no advantage realized by
Metron as a result of the offence.
Planning and Complexity: The court found
no evidence of planning or complexity. It
accepted that the accident resulted from
a momentary lapse of judgment because
there was no evidence that the swing stage
had previously been used by more than two
workers, that workers had previously not
used safety lines, or that workers had used
intoxicants before using the swing stage.
However, the court noted that Metron had
contravened health and safety regulations
for almost two months because the company
operated the swing stage without a manual,
instructions or other production information,
and despite the fact that the swing stage did
not have any marking, serial number or labels
about maximum capacity. The court found this
to be an aggravating factor to be considered in
sentencing.
Conversion/Concealment of Assets: The court
heard evidence and argument from the Crown
that Metron was attempting to resurrect its
business through a related corporation of
which Metron’s president was the president
and sole director, but concluded the evidence
fell short of establishing that Metron was
attempting to conceal or convert its assets.
Cost to Public Authorities: Metron’s guilty
plea had significantly reduced the cost of
prosecuting the offence.
•
Regulatory Penalties: The court considered
that Metron’s president had been sentenced
to a $90,000 fine under the OHSA.
•
Prior Offences or Sanctions:
Neither
Metron nor its representatives had any prior
convictions or sanctions for similar conduct.
•
•
12
Company Penalties: Metron did not impose a
penalty on any representative for the offence.
Economic Viability: This was one of the
most important factors in the sentencing. The
court heard evidence that a significant fine
could drive the company into insolvency. In
particular, the court heard that the company
operated at a loss in 2010 and 2011, had
substantial but unspecified amounts of debt,
was owed substantial unpaid and potentially
uncollectable accounts receivable, and was
involved in litigation that could have financial
consequences. The court noted that the
OCTOBER 2012
economic viability of Metron was impossible
to accurately predict, but concluded that
imposing the $1,000,000 fine requested by the
Crown would likely result in bankruptcy and
would violate the Criminal Code requirement
to consider the defendant’s ability to pay. The
court noted, however, that the company had a
long history of success and may yet survive
its precarious financial circumstances and took
particular note of the fact that the company
could apply for an extension of time to pay the
fine if the company was unable to pay the fine
within the time required.
It was after considering all of these factors that
the court determined that a fine of $200,000 was
appropriate. The court noted that the $342,500 in
fines and surcharges payable by Metron and its
president, which amounted to three times Metron’s
net earnings in its last profitable year (the year
before the accident), would send a clear message to
all businesses of the overwhelming importance of
ensuring worker safety.
d) Comparison to Sentencing
Manslaughter in the
United Kingdom
for Corporate
Sentencing corporations under the Criminal Code
can be contrasted with the approach to sentencing
for violations of the Corporate Manslaughter
and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 (“Corporate
Manslaughter Act”) in the United Kingdom. After
that Act was passed, a sentencing guideline was
created, which set out the factors to be considered
by a court when sentencing a corporation in
circumstances where one or more persons have been
killed as a result of an offence. While many of the
factors set out in the guideline are consistent with
the factors the Criminal Code requires a court to
consider, the guideline contains more prescriptive
commentary. In fact, with reference to sentencing
a corporation convicted of corporate manslaughter,
the guideline indicates that, because of the nature
of the offence the, “appropriate fine will seldom
be less than £500,000 and may be measured in
millions of pounds”.
It also appears that courts in the United Kingdom
will not place as much weight on the corporation’s
ability to pay a penalty as the courts in Canada
will. Since the Corporate Manslaughter Act was
enacted, there has been one sentence imposed on
a corporation. In 2011, Cotswold Geotechnical
Holdings was sentenced to pay a fine of £385,000
after it was convicted of corporate manslaughter.
One of its employees was killed after an unsupported
pit collapsed. When imposing the penalty, the
sentencing judge commented that the payment of
the penalty (which the judge suggested could be
paid over ten years) may well put Cotswold into
liquidation. However, the court’s view was that
was an unfortunate and unavoidable consequence
of a serious breach. The penalty was upheld on
appeal.
Criminal Negligence for Workplace Safety: A
Reminder
a) The Genesis of Bill C-45 Amendments
to the Criminal Code
Metron is the first corporate criminal negligence
conviction in Ontario, the second in Canada, since
Bill C-45 amended the Criminal Code on March
31, 2004. The genesis of Bill C-45 was the 1992
Westray mine explosion in Nova Scotia in which
twenty-six miners were killed. No criminal or
regulatory convictions were obtained against
Westray or its management notwithstanding
evidence that Westray management intentionally
subverted health and safety prior to the explosion.
Indeed, the Public Inquiry that was struck by the
Nova Scotia government following the accident
concluded:
Westray managers not only failed to promote
and nurture any kind of a safe work ethic
but actually discouraged any meaningful
dialogue on safety issues. Management did
so through an aggressive and authoritarian
attitude towards the employees, as well as
by the use of offensive and abusive language.
Westray workers quickly came to realize that
their safety concerns fell on deaf ears and that
management’s open-door policy was mere
window dressing.
In addressing the absence of criminal liability
for the accident, the Public Inquiry recommended
legislative amendments designed to ensure that
corporate executives and directors could be legally
accountable for workplace safety. However, the
Public Inquiry did not recommend a specific
legislative change:
The Government of Canada, through the
Department of Justice, should institute a study
of the accountability of corporate executives
and directors for the wrongful or negligent
acts of the corporation and should introduce
in the Parliament of Canada such amendments
to legislation as are necessary to ensure that
corporate executives and directors are held
properly accountable for workplace safety.
b) The Bill C-45 Amendments in 2004
A few years after the report and recommendations
were released, the Federal government passed
Bill C-45 which significantly changed the manner
in which corporate criminal negligence could be
proven. Most significantly, Bill C-45 amended the
Criminal Code to broaden or expand the Crown’s
ability to prove criminal negligence. Prior to
the Bill C-45 amendments, in order to convict a
corporation of criminal negligence, the Crown
would have to prove that the “directing mind”
of the corporation showed wanton and reckless
disregard for the lives or safety of other persons.
ACCESS CANADA
Legal Issues
Thi concept, kknown as the
This
h ““Identification
Theory”, made prosecuting charges of criminal
negligence against a corporation a difficult task
because it was challenging to prove that the
conduct of the person or people constituting the
directing mind of the corporation rose to the level
necessary for criminal liability.
Bill C-45 expanded the means to establish
corporate liability because it jettisoned the
Identification Theory and made it possible for the
Crown to prove the wanton and reckless disregard
for lives or safety of others through the conduct of
a corporate representative. In addition, the Crown
is required to establish that a senior officer has
failed to act. The term “senior officer”, which is
set out above, is broadly defined in the Criminal
Code to include people with varying degrees of
managerial authority or responsibility. Metron
demonstrates how Bill C-45 has broadened the
means by which criminal negligence can be proven
against a corporation because the actions of a midlevel manager and the Site Supervisor, attracted
criminal liability for the organization.
Application of the Criminal Law to Date: A
Restrained Approach
Notwithstanding the broadening of means to prove
criminal negligence against a corporation, it was
not intended that the Criminal Code would become
the primary means of enforcing workplace health
and safety standards in Canada. This is evident
from statements made by the federal government
prior to the enactment of Bill C-45 and anecdotally
from how the criminal law has been used in matters
of workplace safety since 2004.
In February 2002, after the Westray disaster
and public inquiry, the Federal government
referred the issue of extending the bases upon
which criminal liability for corporations and
senior officials could be found to the Standing
Committee on Justice and Human Rights. The
Committee tabled a report that recommended
that the federal government, “table in the House
legislation to deal with the criminal liability of
corporations, directors, and officers”.19 This is a
more specific recommendation than came out of
the Westray Public Inquiry. In responding to the
report, the government agreed that the Criminal
Code needed to be amended.
However, the
government indicated there should be restraint in
the application of the criminal law. The intentions
of the government were quite clearly articulated in
its response to the Committee as it wrote:
The criminal law must be reserved for the most
serious offences, those that involve grave moral
fault.
It is the view of the Government that the first
line of defence against death and injury in
the workplace is workplace safety and health
regulation.
The Government does not intend to use the
federal criminal law power to supplant or
interfere with the provincial regulatory role in
workplace health and safety. At the same time,
the Government believes that the criminal
law can provide an important additional level
of deterrence if effectively targeted at – and
enforced against – companies and individuals
that show a reckless disregard for the safety of
workers and the public.
Anecdotal evidence available from our experience
to date is that the Criminal Code has not displaced
regulatory legislation as the primary means to
enforce workplace health and safety standards.
First, even following serious workplace accidents,
police may attend, secure the scene of the accident
and take some initial investigatory steps – usually
consisting of photographs of the accident scene
and interviews of witnesses to the accident – to
rule out an intentional criminal act. Once the
police are satisfied that no intentional criminal act
was involved, their investigation usually ends and
the matter is investigated by the workplace safety
regulator.
Second, since Bill C-45 became law, there has not
been a flood of criminal negligence prosecutions
arising from workplace accidents. Since 2004 there
have been approximately eight cases, including
Metron, where workplace accidents have resulted
in criminal negligence charges. A corporation has
been the defendant in four of those cases. This
statistic itself suggests a restrained approach to
instituting criminal charges.
This model of restraint also appears to have been
applied by the Crown Attorneys that have overseen
the prosecution of cases, prior to Metron, in which
criminal negligence charges were laid following a
workplace accident. Crown Attorneys are required
to screen criminal charges to determine the
appropriateness of pursuing them. There are two
principal bases upon which a charge is screened.
First, the evidence is assessed to determine whether
a reasonable prospect of conviction exists. If, on
the totality of the evidence, there is no reasonable
prospect of conviction then the Crown should not
pursue the charge. Second, after considering the
reasonable prospect of a conviction, the Crown
considers whether there is a public interest in
pursuing a criminal charge. In considering the
public interest, the Crown may discontinue a
matter on compassionate grounds or where an
alternative enforcement regime or mechanism
adequately addresses it. In considering the latter,
Crown Attorneys will screen criminal negligence
charges arising from a workplace accident by
considering the circumstances giving rise to the
charge, the potential regulatory sanctions, and the
need for the use of the criminal law. If the Crown
determines that the matter is adequately addressed
through regulatory legislation, it may withdraw
a criminal charge on the basis that pursuing a
conviction is not in the public interest.
The Response of Organized Labour: More
Criminal Prosecutions Demanded
The restrained approach of police and Crown
prosecutors stands in stark contrast to the calls
from organized labour for more liberal use
of the criminal negligence provisions against
corporations and management. Organized labour’s
activism on this issue is not new. They were
involved in lobbying the federal government for
changes to the Criminal Code following Westray
and have been campaigning for broader use of
the criminal negligence provisions for some time
under the moniker “Kill a Worker, Go to Jail”.
Organized labour has repeatedly pressed for
criminal prosecutions following serious workplace
accidents. Notably, in 2006, the Quebec Federation
of Labour demanded that criminal charges be
laid in the Transpavé matter referred to above.
Similarly, organized labour welcomed the criminal
charges laid against Metron and three corporate
officials when they were laid in October 2010.
Organized labour has not limited itself to
clamouring for increased criminal negligence
charges. In March 2010, dissatisfied with the
enforcement response after a worker was killed
in a British Columbia saw mill in 2004 (an
administrative penalty of $297,000 was imposed
by WorkSafeBC), the United Steelworkers of
America laid a private charge (information) against
Weyerhauser Company Limited alleging criminally
negligence. The Crown in British Columbia
had previously concluded that criminal charges
should not be laid. In 2006 and 2008, the Crown
considered whether there was sufficient evidence
upon which to pursue criminal negligence charges
against Weyerhauser. Each review determined
that the evidence was not sufficient. After the
information was sworn, the available evidence
was assessed again by the Crown. The assessment
determined that the evidence remained insufficient
and, “did not provide a substantial likelihood of
conviction against the company. After the private
charge proceeded, as permitted by law, the Crown
assumed carriage of the prosecution and directed
a stay of proceedings because of its belief that there
was insufficient evidence with which to obtain a
conviction.
More recently, at the beginning of May 2012,
the Canadian Labour Congress released a guide
entitled “Death and Injury at Work, A guide
to investigating corporate criminal negligence
in the event of a serious injury or fatality in a
workplace”. The guide, prepared to mark the
twentieth anniversary of the Westray accident, is
aimed at police officers.
OCTOBER 2012
13
Legal Issues
Through a series of questions and answers,
the guide comments on issues such as the Bill
C-45 amendments to the Criminal Code, the role
of the police, investigatory steps to be taken,
and the relationship between health and safety
inspectors and police.
Each of these initiatives – lobbying, writing
and laying charges – demonstrate the broad
and varied approach by the labour movement
to press for increased criminal negligence
charges against corporations and, presumably,
management, where a serious injury or fatality
has occurred at a workplace. With the exception
of the Weyerhauser matter, it is not clear if
the actions of organized labour have actually
precipitated a criminal negligence charge. It
does appear that organized labour’s message
has resonated with one government. In May
2012, Manitoba’s Justice and Labour ministers
told the Manitoba Federation of Labour that a
new director of investigations had been hired
whose functions included reviewing policies
to ensure that criminal negligence is addressed
during investigations. The Minister of Labour
also indicated that she would be raising the issue
of criminal negligence and workplace safety at
the federal-provincial labour ministers meeting
in September. It is unlikely that a discussion
amongst labour ministers could affect the
application of the criminal law because labour
ministers do not have authority over the police or
Crown prosecutors. However, such discussions
may provide impetus for change – particularly
if other jurisdictions follow Manitoba’s lead by
having someone specifically tasked with ensuring
that criminal negligence is addressed during
investigations of workplace accidents. Should
it be considered at any such meeting, Metron
may be seen as an example of how the Bill C-45
amendments are working as designed because
the amended criminal negligence provisions
facilitated a conviction against a corporation.
Clearly the labour movement sees increased
criminal enforcement against corporations and
senior officials as a mechanism to enhance
workplace safety. Indeed, the aforementioned
guide comments only on the investigation of
corporate criminal negligence. It does not
comment on the investigation of criminal
negligence generally or against individuals. It
also does not say that police ought not to pursue
criminal negligence investigations against parties
other than corporations.
Though Bill C-45
made it easier to convict corporations of criminal
negligence, it added to existing laws which, for
decades, have made it a crime for any individual
to show wanton and reckless disregard for the
lives or safety of others. Workers have been
charged criminally and under OHS laws in the
past. They too have legal duties to work safely
in a manner that does not endanger others. Any
investigation of criminal negligence is expected
to be balanced and consider the culpability of all
involved in a workplace accident. In lobbying
for more criminal negligence investigations and
prosecutions, trade unions must be mindful
that this could have consequences for workers
as well. As the circumstances in Metron show,
there are often many factors involved in a serious
workplace accident.
Conclusion
Metron was involved in one of the worst
workplace accidents in Canadian history and
is the second corporate criminal negligence
conviction arising from a workplace accident
since Bill C-45. The sentences are the highest
monetary penalties ever meted out under the
OHSA and Criminal Code for a workplace
accident. These facts alone would make the case
notable. Yet, Metron also demonstrates how
the means to prove criminal negligence against
a corporation has been expanded and that the
positive measures taken by a corporation can
be quickly displaced by the conduct of a local
manager or supervisor. Additionally, Metron
has provided impetus for policy and legislative
changes which are still unfolding. Ultimately,
though the entire impact of the Metron case
cannot be known today, what is clear is that no
case in recent memory has so directly impacted
the law and policy of workplace safety.
About the authors
Jeremy Warning
jwarning@heenan.ca
416 643.6946
Cheryl A. Edwards
cedwards@heenan.ca
Phone: 416 360.2897
Shane D. Todd
stodd@heenan.ca
416 643.6958
14
OCTOBER 2012
Jeremy Warning - Jeremy is a partner in the Labour and Employment Group and a member of the firm’s national OHS & Workers’
Compensation Practice Group. He advises the firm’s provincial, national and international clients on a full range of labour and
employment issues with a particular emphasis on occupational health and safety matters. He provides proactive and strategic advice
following workplace accidents and when regulators are at the door. Jeremy also represents the firm’s clients before the provincial and
federal courts, administrative tribunals, boards of arbitration, and in Coroner’s inquests. Jeremy is a former Ministry of Labour prosecutor
and has practiced health and safety law for more than 10 years. He is a co-author of the Annotated Occupational Health and Safety Act, a
leading Ontario text used by corporate counsel, occupational health and safety and human resource practitioners, and law firms. Jeremy is
listed in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2012 directory as a leading occupational health and safety lawyer. Jeremy can be contacted by e-mail at
jwarning@heenan.ca or by telephone at 416 643.6946
Cheryl A. Edwards - Cheryl is the lead of the firm’s national OHS & Workers’ Compensation Practice Group. She brings a highly
focused, strategic and practical approach to workplace safety management, problems and litigation for provincial, national and
international clients of the firm. Cheryl has close to 25 years of experience in representing employers, constructors, supervisors and
officers and directors at OHS regulatory trials, complaints, inquests and appeals. She also advises and conducts litigation in labour
relations and employment matters, including grievance arbitration, employment standards, wrongful dismissal, human rights and
workers’ compensation matters. Cheryl can be contacted by e-mail at cedwards@heenan.ca or by telephone at 416 360.2897
Shane D. Todd – Shane is an Associate in the Heenan Blaikie Labour and Employment Law Group and a member of the national OHS
& Workers’ Compensation Practice Group. Shane’s practice is focused on labour, employment, and occupational health and safety law
matters on behalf of employers. He provides strategic advice, opinions and representation in relation to employee hiring, discipline and
termination, union organizing, collective agreement administration, interpretation and application, grievance arbitration, human rights
and accommodation, occupational health and safety, and workplace privacy. Shane can be contacted by e-mail at stodd@heenan.ca or by
telephone at 416 643.6958
ACCESS CANADA
The Real Hazard-An Incomplele Job Survey, Part 2 of 2
By Kevin O’Shea , President, Mast Climbers kevin@mastclimbers.com
T
he job survey is the most important part of the planning for mast climber supply. It
establishes the position, configuration, and capacity of each machine and it should
identify all hazards specific to the job site.
This is why regulations stipulate that the job survey should be completed by a Qualified
person. Identification of hazards, and the method(s) employed to abate them, is essential for
safe installation, and its also important from a compliance standpoint.
Many contractors and owners don’t recognize mast climbers caffold, but it is a type of scaffold
and therefore is subject to many scaffold regulations (e.g. planking, guardrail height, training
requirements etc).
Planking, and the enclosed platform - A Major Issue.
Poor Planning, Poor inspection and Poor Training.
Who is Doing the Daily Inspection.
Can We Safely Tie it to the Structure.
OCTOBER 2012
15
Skyway Canada: 45 Years in Business with Solutions You Can Trust
Safely Supporting Our Cutomers Since 1967
By Terry Haunn , Vice President Business Development, TerryHaunn@skycan.ca
S
kyway Canada has been safely supporting
its customers since 1967.
For the past 45 years, Skyway Canada has
been a trusted provider of safe, cost-effective
scaffold and shoring solutions across Western
Canada and Ontario. Skyway is a single source
solutions provider offering scaffolding, swing
stage and shoring, engineering, design, erection
and dismantling services; project management
and control; and cost control and billing systems.
Tailored management solutions can be integrated
with clients’ internal systems, ensuring accuracy,
efficiency and timely reporting.
Prairie. Skyway operates under the Skyhigh name
in Saskatchewan and Manitoba and has branches
in Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Brandon and
Edmonton.
Skyway Canada was established in Toronto in
1967, in order to supply contractors and the
commercial market in southern Ontario. In 1996
Skyway expanded to Sarnia, in order to better
serve Ontario’s industrial market; and in 1998 the
company established itself in Alberta. In 2005,
Skyway acquired Skyhigh Scaffold, in order
to expand its operations into Northern Ontario,
Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Skyhigh Scaffold
had built a good reputation with the Skyhigh
name and these acquisitions have provided
Skyway Canada with a strong market presence
from Ontario through to Alberta.
Skyway’s proprietary Track-RITE Project
Control System keeps labour and equipment costs
and worker productivity in plain view, on a realtime basis so expenses and project progress can
be reviewed daily.
The company, which is Canadian owned and
operated, has 165 full-time employees and 1,100
employees in the field, with Skyway branches
in Toronto, Sarnia, Thunder Bay, Edmonton,
Calgary, Bonnyville, Whitecourt and Grande
16
OCTOBER 2012
With Track-RITE, every scaffold build is
uniquely identified and tracked in a database, so
the customer maintains complete visibility over
every aspect of the project. On repeat jobs, such
as annual maintenance shutdowns, Track-RITE’s
data mining capacity is particularly valuable.
When the next scheduled event approaches, it’s
easy to go back to the data to compare previous
estimates and actual, and obtain solid information
with which to plan the next project.
ACCESS CANADA
Skyway Canada: 45 Years in Business with Solutions You Can Trust
Safely Supporting Our Cutomers Since 1967
In Alberta, Skyway and Skyhigh are focusing on
Oilsands opportunities; and in Saskatchewan, on
opportunities associated with potash mine expansions.
Oil-based opportunities are going to start to take
off in Saskatchewan as well in the near future and
Saskatchewan is going to enjoy a very robust economy
for the next three to four years.
In addition, the company has formed strategic
alliances with a variety of other contractors, in order
to provide a complete range of services to large
industrial plants. Skyway combines its services with
mechanical and insulation contractors in order to form
a comprehensive team. Skyway’s Strategic Alliance
Services bring together best-in-class organizations
representing the complete breadth of industrial
specialization, ensuring a true single source solution
is available to customers.
Safety Standards; At Skyway, safety is our business and
it’s demonstrated in everything we do. Our full-time
Corporate Health and Safety Managers are specialists
in occupational health and safety, and ensure our
products and our people are in full compliance with
all current standards. We employ local site health and
safety coordinators whose job is to ensure that every
system on every job site is safe. Our extensive and
continuous Health and Safety training programs are
mandatory for all employees; all Skyway employees
are trained and tested annually.
As of July 31, 2012 Skyway has a Corporate TRIF of
0.54. Our Western Region currently leads the country
with a TRIF for the past 12 months of 0.0.!!
In addition to our people and our processes, all
Skyway equipment meets Canadian safety standards
and is regularly maintained in compliance with those
standards. All personal safety equipment is supplied
and mandatory at all Skyway sites. Skyway is ISO
9001 certified.
Industrial Sector Solutions; Skyway’s industrial
sector solutions are specifically tailored to the needs
of every customer. With extensive industry experience
across a wide variety of applications, Skyway delivers
flexible, innovative and highly efficient systems. Our
tailored management solutions, including estimating,
inventory control, project management, billing and
logistics processes can be integrated with our clients’
internal systems, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and
timely reporting. Responsive, customer-driven
solutions make Skyway a value-added partner in
industrial applications across Canada.
Commercial Sector Solutions; Skyway is the singlesource solution for access, shoring and safety systems
in a wide variety of commercial construction,
restoration and production applications. With the most
extensive inventories of the widest range of products
and accessories, Skyway can engineer and supply
systems expertly tailored to any job. Our full-service
capabilities, including erection, on-site maintenance,
teardown and cartage deliver turnkey efficiency
for any project. We’ve earned our reputation for
reliability through more than 40 years of experience
– experience that delivers value-added on-time, cost
effective solutions.
OCTOBER 2012
17
John Rosenthal, P.Eng. is President of Dunn-Wright
Engineering Inc., in Caledon, Ontario. Rosenthal also
serves as SIAC International Director. E-mail him at:
johnr@Dunn-Wright.ca
Industrial Strength Bracing
A description of proper scaffold bracing techniques for power plant boilers
and similar industrial applications
By David H. Glabe, P.E. dhg@glabe.com
W
hen it comes to
scaffold bracing,
when is there
eenough bracing?
Certain
uuntrained erectors, and users,
aassume that if the scaffold
iisn’t falling down, then there
iis enough bracing; not a
vvery smart, practical or safe
aapproach. And then there is
tthe question of what type of
bracing are you talking about? Is it stability bracing,
bracing that keeps the scaffold from falling over, or
is it the bracing that gives a supported scaffold its’
strength?
Stability bracing typically includes the connection
to an adjacent structure to make sure the scaffold
stays erect. Strength bracing is the bracing that is
necessary to make sure the scaffold legs can support
the anticipated load that will be applied to them.
Strength bracing can take several forms, depending
on the type of scaffold and the design chosen by the
qualified designer. For example, a tubular welded
frame scaffold uses cross braces for bracing. A cross
brace consists of two tubular or angular lengths of
metal connected at the middle to form an “x”. The
four ends of the brace have holes so the brace can
be connected in four locations by sliding the holes
over pins welded to the frame legs. This is called
a pin connection. For systems scaffolds, bracing is
accomplished by using a single diagonal member that
is connected to adjacent legs in a vertically diagonal
direction. The connection is a rigid connection rather
than a pinned connection. However, the bracing
effect on each accomplishes the same goal which is to
make sure the scaffold leg can support the anticipated
load.
20
OCTOBER 2012
A major factor in the strength of a supported scaffold
leg is what engineers refer to as the “unbraced length.”
A scaffold of a given diameter and material will
support decreasingly smaller loads as the unbraced
length of the leg gets longer. In other words, a tube
12 inches long will support a lot more load than a tube
12 feet long. When it comes to systems scaffolds,
the standard unbraced length is typically 6’-6” (for
systems scaffolds based on the metric system). In
other words, scaffold erectors are used to installing
horizontal runners every fourth connection point on
the leg, resulting in an unbraced length of 6’-6”. And
this is what should be done. But the bracing doesn’t
end with providing a horizontal support every so
often. Without some kind of additional bracing, the
scaffold will simply deflect sideways, resulting in a
catastrophic collapse.
This additional bracing can be either vertical diagonal
bracing or other bracing that provides equivalent
support, such as an adjacent scaffold or an adjacent
structure. Take, for example, a power plant boiler.
For those of you not familiar with a power plant
boiler, picture a half gallon milk carton upside down
with the “vee” shaped top now at the bottom. Picture
the milk carton 175 feet high, 100 feet long and
60 feet wide. (That’s like the height of the Statue
of Liberty!) Now, scaffold the interior of the milk
carton using systems scaffold utilizing a 30” diameter
access opening in the bottom of the milk carton. Hey,
nobody said boiler scaffolds were easy to construct.
When the qualified designer chooses bracing for
a scaffold in this situation, she can use diagonal
bracing, the boiler walls, or a combination of the two
to provide the required lateral support for the legs.
As you can imagine, just the weight of the scaffold
will exert a considerable load on each scaffold leg.
In other words, the bracing is critical to the success of
the design.
ACCESS CANADA
Industrial Strength Bracing
If vertical diagonal bracing is chosen by the
designer, the design is straightforward. Typically,
the diagonal bracing is installed every fourth
bay (depending on the manufacturer) and in both
directions. Remember, a scaffold in an upside
down milk carton is three dimensional, in other
words, multiple bays wide and multiple bays long.
An alternative bracing scheme is to use the walls of
the boiler for the bracing. This is effective when the
bracing is designed properly, installed according to
the design, and not tampered with by the scaffold
user. This is critical since using the boiler walls
effectively requires the legs to be “bumped” against
the opposite walls of the boiler. In other words, a
continuous line of horizontal runners must extend
from wall to wall with bump tubes against the wall
at each end. There is no room for error in this type
of bracing since removal of a single bump tube
will immediately affect the unbraced length of
the scaffold leg and instantaneously decrease the
capacity of the scaffold leg, possibly resulting in
a catastrophic failure. (If the individual tampering
with the bracing is lucky, the resulting failed
scaffold will wedge against the walls of the boiler,
avoiding a catastrophic collapse which would
kill the misbehaving scaffold user and his fellow
employees.)
The bottom line here is that bracing is critical
for the ability of a supported scaffold to support
a load. Whether diagonal bracing is used for a
systems scaffold or whether another structure is
used to provide the bracing doesn’t matter as long
as it is done correctly.
It is up to the designer and erector of the scaffold
to get it right. That is why we have standards and
regulations that require that scaffolds be designed
by a qualified person, an individual who knows
what he/she is doing. And of course, we expect the
scaffold to be constructed accordingly to the design
(we have a regulation for that too). And finally, we
don’t want users messing with the scaffold (yepthere’s a regulation for that too), especially if it’s
inside an upside down milk carton!
Winter Netting
By Dean Haig, Sales Manager , EnScaf,
W
inter is coming and it is
time to think of enclosing
your scaffolding.
Over the past few years the main trend
in enclosure material is the addition
of flame retardant additives. This
process insures that if a flame comes
into contact with the fabric, it will
not burn. Most safety and enforcement officials are now
asking for proof of “FR” in all tarps and debris netting and
many require it be labeled. The additive usually changes
the fabric to a milky white colour, and most manufactures
print “FR” on the tarp.
Scaffold sheeting systems (the ones that attach to the
scaffold by bungee cords) are gaining popularity for their
ease of installation and durability. These systems are
generally thicker and much stronger than regular “poly”
tarps which are made from woven poly material. Sheeting
systems are built from two sheets of polyethylene
laminated together over a layer of scrim. It’s the scrim that
makes the fabric resistant to tearing, and so it lasts through
the job and often can be reused.
Ease of installation is the main reason for the increase in
use of scaffold sheeting. Workers can install these systems
from the scaffold itself and even work with gloves on, and
there is no reason to access the outside of the enclosure.
The reinforcing bands give an infinite number of
attachment points for the bungees. To get a weather tight
seal four inch wide tape and screw locks can be used to
join the panels together. Properly installed these systems
will withstand winds as high as 80 mph.
22
OCTOBER 2012
dean@enscaf.com
Insulated tarps have long been a mainstay of winter work.
Generally they are made of a 3/16” or ¼”layer of closed
cell foam sandwiched between two poly tarps. These
tarps are excellent as concrete curing blankets, but as a
scaffold enclosure they have all the drawbacks of poly
tarps. Although some tarps are available with FR skins the
foam core is not generally FR. As well, sealing the tarps
together to make the enclosure windproof is hard to do.
When there is no scaffolding, there are specially designed
tarps that can be fastened to tensioned wire ropes. These
systems have special fasteners and the tarps have edge
flaps which overlap the adjacent tarp and assist in keeping
out the wind.
There are lots of options when you are when you need
to enclose your scaffolding, talk to your vendor, they can
insure you get the best system for your application.
ACCESS CANADA
www.scaff
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Heavy Loads Mastered Easily - with Layher
Press Release
By Frank Frietsch, General Manager, Layher USA frank.frietsch@layher.us
G
ÜGLINGEN-EIBENSBACH. Convincing use of the
new Allround Shoring System TG 60 from Layher
for the construction of an automatic high shelf warehouse:
Thanks to a sophisticated Allround Shoring system solution
made by scaffolding company Postweiler Gerüstbau for
a support for wide-spanning troughs, not only the high
vertical loads of 9 t (8.3 metric tons) per foot could be easily
transferred by standard bundling, but work levels could
also be installed quickly and easily to the shoring system.
The competitive factor logistics is becoming more and more
important for enterprises. Also for a leading enterprise in the
polymer technology sector. The family-owned enterprise is
currently building an automatic high shelf warehouse for
overlong goods. One part of the building measures was, amongst
others, the installation of wide-spanning concrete troughs in
half-precast part construction technique. The assembly of a
shoring system for the two construction phases – setting-up of
the moulds for the site-mixed concrete beams and following the
supporting of the troughs – represented not an “easy” challenge
for the construction company “Theurer Hoch- und Tiefbau
GmbH”: During the second construction phase, high vertical
loads of approx. 9 tons (8.3 metric tons) per foot had to be
transferred.
Due to the innovative Allround Shoring System TG 60, the
scaffolders can combine smartly the advantages of a shoring
tower made of pre-fabricated frames with those of the modular
Allround Scaffolding: Quick assembly and dismantling thanks
to a reduced number of components, wedge lock connection
method without screws, as well as utilisation of material in
the best possible way owing to variable bay lengths – at full
flexibility for difficult building geometries. The use of Allround
standard parts moreover renders time-consuming bracings
with tubes and couplers or the calibration of individual towers
according to planning standards obsolete. Rectangularity
is automatically granted. An excellent new product: On the
Spanish construction trade fair Construmat, the Allround
Shoring System TG 60 received an award for innovation.
Due to the high vertical loads in the second construction phase,
the scaffolding company chose for the shoring towers of the
three 198 ft (60 m) long supporting structures a ground-plan
of 3’7” (1.09 m) x 3’7” (1.09 m) including a fourfold bundling
of frames on the front end by means of twin wedge couplers.
Thus the load bearing capacity for load concentration can be
increased at will. The widening at the base of the approx.. 15
ft (4.5 m) high shoring structures was made with Allround
standard parts without any problems. The assembly of a work
level for the formwork and concreting works during the first
construction phase could also be solved elegantly with standard
parts like the 2’5” (0.73 m) wide Allround consoles.
Optimum material use due to flexible bay
lengths: The Allround Shoring Tower TG
60 by Layher can be adapted flexibly to
the existing loads and the grid dimensions
of the formwork beams. Assembly time is
minimized.
The scaffolding company Postweiler offered the ideal solution
with a shoring system made of the Layher Allround system.
OCTOBER 2012
Quick assembly thanks to few and lightweight standard
components as well as well thought-out connection method:
The Allround Shoring System TG 60 to set up the moulds for
site-mixed concrete beams and the subsequent supporting of
wide-spanning troughs. The scaffolders realized the work level
elegantly by using 2’5” (0.73 m) wide Allround consoles.
ACCESS CANADA
24
Heavy Loads Mastered Easily - with Layher
As in the planning both construction phases were already
taken into consideration, during the conversion from phase 1
into phase 2 the scaffolders merely had to change the head of
the tower, but not the main structure of the shoring towers.
After the setting of the beams, they removed the formwork as
well as the components of the work level and consequently
extended the shoring towers simply with a TG 60 spacer frame.
Another feature: Thanks to the intelligent assembly sequence
of the Allround Shoring Towers TG 60, the scaffolders had
an automatic circumferential lateral protection during the
assembly, even without additional parts like the advance
guardrail system. This increased the work safety – and the
assembly speed.
Convincing use of the new Layher Allround Shoring System TG
60: For the support for wide-spanning troughs, the high vertical
loads of 9 t (8.3 metric t) per foot could be transferred easily by
bundling of standards.
A successful premiere for Theurer site manager Georg
Burkhardt: “Gerüstbau Postweiler has created a very compact
shoring system solution for us with the Layher Allround
system, in spite of the very high loads. We were convinced
not only by the fast assembly and dismantling, in which the
scaffolders experience with the Allround system also played
an important role, but also the high flexibility thanks to the
extensive product range. Thus special requests could be put
into practice on-site without any problems. A system with
future”, says Burkhardt.
25
Innovation Award for the Layher Allround
Shoring System TG 60
On the Construmat 2011 – the leading construction trade fair
in Spain – the award for “Innovative Technologies” in the
construction equipment sector was awarded to the new Layher
Allround Shoring System TG 60. Special emphasis was put on
the safest possible installation, besides the economic assembly.
The innovative assembly sequence offers scaffolders always a
circumferential lateral protection, even without any additional
components like an advance guardrail. The use of standard decks
as temporary or permanent work levels during the assembly
respectively the use, as well as integrated access offer additional
comfort.
High safety: The innovative assembly sequence offers scaffolders
always a circumferential lateral protection, even without any
additional components like an advance guardrail.
Wilhelm Layher GmbH & Co. KG is the largest manufacturer
of scaffolding systems. What began in 1945 with the production
of agricultural implements made of wood has developed into a
future-oriented and innovative company. Customers around the
world rely on the complete range of practical scaffolding,
protection and event systems, rolling towers and ladders, as
well as the comprehensive service package. With integrated
solutions, Layher makes “more possible”. More than 1,200
highly qualified and dedicated employees also ensure this –
whether at the highly automated headquarters in GüglingenEibensbach or in the more than 30 subsidiaries worldwide.
For further information on the company and on the versatile
scaffolding systems made by Layher, visit www.layher.com.
OCTOBER 2012
Scaffolder Upgrade Policy, Effective September 1, 2012
By Matthew Sancton, General, Sancton Access Inc.
I
msancton@sancton.com
N ORDER TO WORK ON ANY UBC SITE, MEMBERS MUST HAVE A SCAFFOLDING CERTIFICATE FROM A
RECOGNIZED TRAINING PROGRAM.
Effective September 1st, 2012, all Scaffolding training under the Atlantic Canada Regional Council will be an 11 week program which
will consist of:
Scaffolding (8 weeks)
Rigging (1 week)
Safety (1 week)
Forklift / Aerial Lifts (1 week)
In order to receive an upgrade in wage scale, members must provide verification of Scaffolding hours worked since they completed their
Scaffolding training. This documentation must be written on the company’s letterhead, signed by authorized personnel.
NOTE: Journeyperson status will not be granted based upon hours. Members must complete the Journeyperson Certification*
SCAFFOLDER LEVEL
Apprentice 2
Apprentice 3
REQUIREMENT FOR UPGRADE
2000 hours
2000 hours
ROGRESS TO
Apprentice 3
Journeyperson (Eligibility)
A total of 4000 Scaffolding hours with a UBC contractor is required to be eligible to challenge the Journeyperson Certification*
JOURNEYPERSON CERTIFICATION
Upon approval of documented hours, the member will be eligible to challenge the Journeyperson Certification which consists of:
Written examination (3 hours)
Practical project (3 days)
A 70% pass mark on both theory and practical is required before Journeyperson status is granted. Journeyperson tickets will be issued
with a 3 year expiry. Upon expiry, members will be required to contact their Local for renewal, and provide an update on work hours
since certification.
Rewrite Policy
If the member is unsuccessful in the practical project, they will be required provide documentation of an additional 1000 scaffolding
hours (with a UBC contractor) before the 2nd attempt is granted.
If the member is unsuccessful in the theory exam, a second attempt will be granted after 30 days.
GRANDFATHER CLAUSE
Members who are currently classified as Journeypersons will retain their status when the Scaffolder Upgrade Policy takes
effect. This means:
•
They will have already accumulated 4000 plus hours (UBC only) in SCAFFOLDING and will already be
recognized as a journeyperson by their UBC local on or before September 1, 2012.
•
They will not be required to challenge the Journeyperson Certification.
•
They may apply for a card to designate them as journeyperson scaffolder.
o
A letter of recommendation from a UBC employer, stating applicant is competent as a journeyperson
may apply.
o
26
$10 admin fee.
OCTOBER 2012
ACCESS CANADA
Contact your local training centre to be scheduled for the Journeyperson Certification
NEWFOUNDLAND
Carpenters Millwrights College,
89 McNamara Drive,
Paradise, NL
Phone (790)364-5586
Email: tjenkins@cmcnl.ca
NOVA SCOTIA-CAPE BRETON
24 Cossitt Heights Drive,
Sydney, NS
Phone (902) 562-5130
Email: hgrant@acrc.ca
NEW BRUNSWICK
Carpenters Training Centre of New Brunswick,
120 Ashburn Rd., P.O. Box 2181,
Saint John, NB, E2L 3V1
Phone (790)364-5586
Email: tjenkins@cmcnl.ca
NOVA SCOTIA-HALIFAX
Carpenters Millwrights Trades College,
1000 Sackville Drive,
Lower Sackville, NL
Phone (902) 454-5100
Email: admissions@cmtc-tradescollege.ca
8 WEEK SCAFFOLDING PROGRAM
Rationale:
It has been determined by industry and union placement services, that there is a need for greater consistency among scaffold
training providers within the Atlantic Canada Regional Council of Carpenters Millwrights and Allied Workers. To fulfill
industry’s growing need for skilled workers and promote mobility, the Atlantic Canada Regional Council has adopted an
eight (8) week scaffolding program which will provide the necessary skills to members who wish to successfully enter the
workforce as professional scaffolders.
Program Description:
This program has been designed to reduce the risk of injury and accidents to personnel involved in the construction industry
and for the protection of persons and property in close proximity to construction sites. It will provide learners with the skills
and knowledge required to safely erect, inspect and dismantle scaffolding equipment in accordance with the Occupational
Health and Safety Act and Regulations, manufacturers recommendations and accepted safe work practices. It involves
Trade Mathematics, Tool Fundamentals, Frame, Tube/Clamp and Systems Scaffolding and other related equipment and
materials. Participants must have a tolerance to heights and related psychomotor dexterity as well as the essential skills
required to read and interpret written and verbal instructions.
Note: The pre-requisite safety training in NOT included in the eight week program. An addition three weeks is normally
scheduled to complete the required safety courses.
Pre-requisites:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fall Protection
Rigging
First Aid
Powerline Hazards
WHMIS Confined Space Aerial Lifts
Confined Space
Aerial Lifts
Fork Lifts
OCTOBER 2012
27
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will have developed an appreciation fot the
importance of quality scaffold training and be able to:
• Identify common causes of scaffold accidents.
• Define and use scaffolding terminology.
• Identify types of scaffolds and scaffolding equipment and explain their designed application.
• Calculate safe working loads.
• Identify, interpret and apply the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations regarding
scaffolding and scaffolding equipment.
• Select and wear appropriate PPE.
• Determine foundation requirements for scaffolds.
• Install mud sills.
• Select and install base plates or screw jacks.
• Erect tube and clamp scaffolds (square, level and plumb).
• Erect system scaffolds (square, level and plumb).
• Erect frames scaffolds (square, level and plumb).
• Select and install bracing.
• Construct stair towers using frame and system scaffolds
• Frame ladder cages using tube and clamp scaffold components. Install stairs and ladders for access
egress.
• Construct and install bridging
• Construct cantilevers.
• Construct drop scaffolds.
• Layout scaffolds for use in and around vessels (tanks).
• Construct ramps using scaffolding components,
• Select and install decking, guardrails and toeboards.
• Identify and demonstrate tie-in procedures.
• Tie knots for the safe hoisting and lowering of scaffold components.
• Install gin wheels.
• Calculate the amount of counter weight required for various swing stage applications.
Course Units:
SP 1300 -Tube and Clamp Scaffolds
SP 1400- System Scaffolds
SP 1500- Frame Scaffolds
SP 2000- Advanced Scaffolds
SP 2100- Area Scaffolds
28
OCTOBER 2012
(2 wks.)
(2 wks.)
(1 wks.)
(2 wks.)
(1 wks.)
ACCESS CANADA
>ÉGZNÉX:NOÉRJ
COLD WEATHER PERFORMANCE
Enclose your jobsite for optimal performance in the cold weather months
The cold weather will once again be upon us which
can mean reduced productivity and subsequent
increase in costs for jobsites across Canada.
Working and building in the wide range of Canadian
temperatures can be challenging for many
companies, especially in the winter. Since the winter
season is the longest season in Canada, the majority
of construction work takes place during cold weather
months.
An enclosed jobsite can reduce heat needs and
fuel consumption, increase the speed of work,
and provide a warm work environment for staff.
For example, using insulated blankets to enclose a
building can reduce fuel consumption by up to 50%.
A warm and properly enclosed building is a must
when working in the winter, to ensure an efficient
and cost effective job site.
NorsemanTM cold weather enclosure solutions
Insulated blankets
Scaffold sheeting
Polyethylene construction tarps
Interlocking hoarding tarps
6UXYÉSGTGTJ6UXYÉSGTJÉYOMTGXÉZXGJÉSGXQYUL6UXYÉSGT/XU[V4ZJ.OÉXIÉR_9ÉROGHRÉOYZXGJÉSGXQUL6UXYÉSGT/XU[V4ZJ
rTUXYÉSGTIUTYZX[IZOUTIUS
Alberta Carpenters Training Centre
We’ve trained North America’s
best scaffolders for 15 years.
The Alberta Carpenters Training
Centre has delivered its 3-year
Scaffolder Apprenticeship and Carpenter JM Upgrade
Scaffold Programs, as well as dozens of other safety and
skill training programs, to thousands of students in three
training centres – Edmonton, Ft. McMurray & Calgary –
since 1994.
Our new $23 million centre includes two state-ofthe-art scaffold shops, including one purpose-built to
accommodate suspended scaffolding.
ACTC-trained scaffolders work on some of the world’s
largest mega-projects. Many of the scaffolds they design
and build are unique, highly-complicated, and critical to
both human safety and worker productivity.
www.mills-scaffold.com
www.abcarptc.ab.ca
Mills Construction Products is dedicated
to consistently providing technologically
advanced scaffold and shoring systems
of aluminum and steel. All of which are
user-friendly, safe, rugged, efficient and
of the highest quality.
P R O P R I E TA R Y • PAT E N T E D • P R O V E N
MILLS CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS INC.
13904 Hurontario Street, Caledon, Ontario, Canada L7C 2B8
tel: (905) 451-9471
fax: (905) 838-4059
Rooftop Rigging Innovation
By Rick McKinlay, Sales & Marketing Manager, WINSAFE Corp., rick@winsafe.com
The late Steve Jobs was once quoted as saying, “Innovation distinguishes between a
leader and a follower”. The items described below represent a couple of recent
innovations that have been developed in partnership with some of the great scaffolding
supply companies in the market, to creatively help them solve a problem and satisfy a
need. Quite often, these needs and challenges manifest themselves into an idea, which
with a little kneading, shaping and massaging can turn into a new product introduction.
Oftentimes, these new products have the potential to also benefit others in the industry
who may encounter similar challenges or face similar needs.
Outrigger Davit
The Outrigger Davit was developed for those cases in which rigging is needed to clear a tall parapet wall or
other obstacle. Perhaps there is a feature raised above the rooftop surface, such as a penthouse wall face,
decorative façade, or a sign that needs to be accessed.
The conventional approach in these situations is to use either conventional scaffolding or tall stands to elevate
the rooftop outrigger beams.
Some of the challenges associated with this are the amount of additional equipment that is needed to be
lugged up to the rooftop (materials & labour), as well as the difficulty in dealing with rear beam
counterweights for an outrigger beam that is 5, 6, 7 or more feet off of the rooftop surface.
With a pivoting mast, the Outrigger Davit can be set up and rigged from rooftop level. Once in position, the
mast and boom are tilted up and locked into place. Suspension wire rope can then be lowered over the edge,
completing the installation (conventional counterweight and tie-back requirements apply).
The Outrigger Davit can clear an 8 ft parapet and provide up to 4 ft of reach. It is built as an add-on to
modular outrigger beam components that you already have. Counterweights remain at a more manageable
rooftop level, as they would with a conventional basic outrigger beam.
It’s a pretty simple installation, with a minimal amount of equipment.
Photo courtesy of Canada Scaffold Supply (Richmond, BC)
Photo courtesy of AGF Access, London Branch (London, ON)
OCTOBER 2012
31
List of Advertisers
CHALLENGING APPLICATIONS
WINSAFE
www.winsafe.com
DON FRY SCAFFOLD SERVICE INC
www. donfryscaffold.ca
KLIMER MANUFACTURING INC.
www.klimer.com
ALBERTA CARPENTERS TRAINING CENTRE
www.abcarptc.ab.ca
NORSEMAN
www.norseman.ca
SCAFOM CANADA
www.scafom.ca
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
LAYHER, INC
www.layherusa.com
ENSCAF
www..enscaf.com
CARPENTERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL OF ON.
www.carpenterscd.com
MILLS CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS INC.
www.breckscaffold.com
TRACTEL SWINGSTAGE
www.tractel.com
SKYWAY CANADA
www.skycan.ca
ETOBICOKE IRONWORKS LTD.
www.eiw.ca
SIAC NEW MEMBERS
AGF ACCESS
1281 Speers Road,
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
T. (905) 825-0544 F. (905) 825-2801
www.agfaccess.com Contact: Steve Bird
AMETALTECH-OMEGA INC.
1735 Elzear Blvd. West,
Laval Quebec, Canada. H7L 3N6
T. (450) 681 6440 F. (450) 681-5318
www.metaltechna.com Contact: Patrice Beland
Winsafe is an innovative manufacturer of engineered
access & fall protection products & solutions for people
who work at height & in hard to reach locations.
We specialize in temporary, permanently installed &
custom designed equipment.
Suspended Scaffolding
Outrigger Beams, Rigging & Suspension Systems
Large area Work Platforms
Building Maintenance & Restoration
Window Washing
Industrial Access
Confined Space
Fall Protection
WINSAFE
905 - 474 - 9340
INFO@WINSAFE.COM
WWW.WINSAFE.COM
HKF 5th Annual Golf Tournament
Chris Earnshaw, cearnshaw@rogers.com
On August 22nd 2012, the SIAC held its 5th Annual Harold K. Forbes Golf Tournament at the Diamond Back course in Richmond Hill. On a day
that can only be described as “perfect golfing conditions” our participants teed off at noon to battle for the coveted Trophy.
Thanks to our members and their guests, our sponsors, volunteers, organizing committee and of course Club Link, Diamond Back, we had a great
day out. It is tough to improve year on year, but, suffice to say, this was one of the best!
Some great scores were posted this year and once again the Trophy changed hands. Congratulations to our winners;Gary Carew, Michael Carew,
Ian Morton and Paul Chaisson.
Our prize winners were; Closest to the Pin, Neil Walters, Longest Drive, Scott Morrison and Putting Contest, Bob Poirier.
Once the golfing activities were complete, we enjoyed a first class dinner and awards ceremony where our winners were presented with their
trophies and prizes. James Dean was the winner of the grand raffle prize of a Golfing Weekend for 4 in Muskoka.
Finally, it was a pleasure to have Harold Forbes son Len and other family members at the Tournament. We
hope to see everyone back at
the Tournament in 2013!
John O’Hara, President of SIAC Presenting 5th HKF Golf Tournament Prizes
33
Ringscaff
®
Quality
;<<?9?;D9O
I7<;JO
It is quality in the design and the
materials used that distinguishes
Ringscaff®. Quality is also in the advice
and involvement of experienced staff at
Scafom.
Efficiency was key in the development and
production of Ringscaff® Modular System
Scaffold. Features such as weight reduction,
speed of erection and dismantling all contribute to a high degree of efficiency.
At Scafom safety is our number one
priority, from development to manufacturing
and the actual construction and use of the
scaffold.
19 Delta Park Blvd.
Brampton, Ontario Canada L6T 5E7
J[b$/&+*/*#'-&)<Wn/&+*/*#'/,+
2131 121 Avenue
D$;$;Zcedjed"7bX[hjW9WdWZWJ,I'8(
J[b$-.&*-(#,(++<Wn-.&*-(#,(/&
www.scafom.ca

access canada-Oct.-2012.indd - Scaffold Industry Association of

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