Rooftop blitz

Workers on rooftops in the area need to be safe or they could face fines as Ontario’s Ministry of Labour begins a ticketing blitz in Thunder Bay.

The ministry issued 10 tickets Thursday, the first day it started its blitz looking for roofers who are not tied-off when working in areas three metres or higher off the ground. Peter Augruso, the ministry’s northern director, said there has been a big increase in out-of-town contractors working on roofs in the area since a hail storm several months ago.

The blitz began after several injuries occurred on roofs in Thunder Bay, including a young worker two weeks ago who injured his neck and face after a fall.

"It’s scary for us because we thought we were getting better compliance rates in the City of Thunder Bay," Augruso said Friday.

Companies, supervisors and workers face $360 fines for first-time offences.

Agruso said he believes the reason there are so many people unsafe out there is because there are so many roofing contracts in the area right now.

"They’re in and out. They make more money when they can do them quicker. Taking a few seconds to tie off and setting up the proper equipment takes some time and they’d rather be off to the next roof."

Younger workers seem to be taking risks more often than not he added.

"We believe they’re being taken advantage of."

The ministry has four inspectors in the area visiting various job sites through the city.

While three metres might not seem that high, Agruso said if a worker isn’t expecting the fall it can lead to broken arms, legs, or even death from a broken neck.

He added that he’s seen serious injuries from falls as low as two feet because people weren’t prepared.

Fines can increase, up to $25,000, for workers who receive several tickets.

Employers can face up to $500,000 fines.