WorkSafeBC has accused EllisDon, the main contractor at Vancouver’s Oakridge construction site, of a “systemic failure to manage workplace health and safety,” according to court documents. An official document cited multiple safety violations, including inadequate control of worksite hazards and failure to manage exclusion zones effectively.
The investigation follows a series of serious incidents, including a scaffolding piece falling 41 floors in July and a fatal crane accident in February. The scaffolding incident caused no injuries but lead to significant risk. The February accident claimed the life of a worker, Yuridia Flores, mother of two.
EllisDon denies the allegations, calling them “baseless and without merit.” A company representative stated, “We are committed to the highest level of safety across all our projects and fully cooperate with WorkSafeBC.”
The $6.5 billion Oakridge renovation, one of Vancouver’s largest projects, includes 14 towers, 3,000 homes, and extensive commercial and public spaces. WorkSafeBC is conducting three investigations into the site, emphasizing the need for rigorous safety standards.
WorkSafeBC investigator Jordan McLellan noted in the warrant that EllisDon had “32 violations in total” and claimed the company was willing to accept sanctions rather than fix the safety issues. EllisDon disputes this declaration, emphasizing its long-standing commitment to worker safety.
The allegations remain unproven, and no charges have been made.
Full article available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/worksafebc-oakridge-safety-investigation-1.7368434
Original author: Jason Proctor
