A Navan-based electrical contractor has been fined $50,000 in provincial court in connection with its role in an incident that led to a worker’s injuries.

Sega Group Inc., which provides powerline and utility services, pled guilty to a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in an Ottawa courtroom. The company will also pay a 25-percent victim fine surcharge.

The incident occurred on July 12, 2023. Sega Group Inc. was the constructor of a project to replace five existing concrete street light posts on the east side of Manotick Main Street, east of downtown Ottawa.

On the day of the incident, workers were removing the first post, which had a poured concrete base, making it very heavy.

To prevent the post from falling, the operator of a crane truck hoisted the post and attempted to lower it to the ground.

While lowering the post, the operator pressed the button that released the clamp holding the top of the post. The concrete post toppled and injured a nearby worker.

A Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development investigation determined that the operator did not have a crane training certificate and lacked sufficient experience and knowledge to operate the equipment.

Sega Group Inc. was therefore found to have failed, as an employer, to ensure that no worker operated a crane or similar hoisting device unless trained in its safe operation.