A Norwich-based construction company has been fined $60,000 following a workplace fatality at a dairy farm near Thamesford.
A Norwich-based construction company has been fined $60,000 following a workplace fatality at a dairy farm near Thamesford.
Hendrik Jan Van Ginkel Construction pleaded guilty in Ontario Provincial Offences Court in Woodstock on March 5th, 2026. Justice of the Peace Anne-Marie Tymec imposed the fine, along with a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge.
The charge stems from a December 7th, 2023 incident, where a contracted worker died after falling from a barn roof under construction. The worker was about 30 feet above the ground, installing strapping across roof trusses, when they fell through the framing.
The Ministry of Labour found the worker was not using fall protection, despite equipment being available onsite. The company also failed to assign a supervisor or provide formal safety talks.
Following the incident, stop work orders were issued. The company later complied by adding fall protection measures and a rescue plan.
