When is an administrative penalty just too much? In a recent win for Hooper Law, the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal held that WorkSafeBC’s penalties should match the employer’s moral blameworthiness, tossing a $150,000 penalty for a violation that posed no actual risk to workers.
Owners and employers responsible for demolition and renovation work are obligated to ensure hazardous material inspections are completed before that work takes place. Failure to comply with that obligation can come with serious consequences. Learn more about whether you have an obligation, and how to meet it.
Hooper Law successfully appealed a $150,000 penalty for an employer after WorkSafeBC alleged the employer had failed to adequately train and supervises its workers regarding working near overhead power lines.
Hooper Law recently obtained an order from the Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal (“WCAT”) setting aside a $153,000 penalty WorkSafeBC had issued against a prime contractor. The case involved an alleged violation of the obligation to protect other employers’ workers.
Successfully appealing a WorkSafeBC fall protection penalty is possible, but it requires knowing what to argue. Learn more about the types of arguments that have been accepted in the past.
Drywall itself generally does not contain asbestos; however, the drywall mud used around the seams of drywall often did. How do you know if this microscopic particle is putting you or your workers at risk?
Are you “using” a cellphone if it is disabled from use and you are simply moving it? According to the Court of Appeal, the answer is “yes”under BC’s Distracted Driving laws.
WorkSafeBC is at your worksite for an inspection and there's a chance you could be served with a penalty. What should you expect?
Formerly referred to as “discriminatory action” under the Workers Compensation Act, “prohibited action” occurs if an employer takes an action that adversely affects a worker for taking a protected activity.
