The owner of a local roofing company has been convicted of another offence and can no longer work in the construction industry.
Steven Bell pleaded guilty to violating the Occupational Health and Safety Act by failing to ensure employees were wearing fall protection as required by law.
The offence in question happened in September 2020 when a ministry inspector observed an employee without fall protection working on the roof of a two-storey multi-unit residence in the City of Quinte West.
Bell was given a suspended sentence, subject to a probationary order, which strips him of the right to work or employ anyone, directly or indirectly, in the construction industry.
Bell had four previous convictions under the Occupational Health and Safety Act:
On March 11, 2013, a ministry inspector observed three roofers in Belleville, employed by Bell, working at a height of more than three metres without being protected by fall protection. There were no injuries. The $2,000 fine for that conviction has not been paid.
On November 16, 2013, a ministry inspector observed four roofers in Belleville, employed by Bell, working at a height of more than three metres without being protected by fall protection. There were no injuries. A $4,500 fine was levied, of which $900 remains unpaid.
On October 7, 2015, a ministry inspector observed a roofer in the City of Quinte West, employed by Bell, working at a height of more than three metres without being protected by fall protection. There were no injuries. For that offence, Bell was sentenced to one day of imprisonment and fined $10,000, which has not been paid.
On July 22, 2017, a ministry inspector observed a roofer in Belleville, employed by Bell, working at a height of more than three metres without being protected by fall protection. There were no injuries. For that offence, Bell was sentenced to seven days of imprisonment.
