Construction Company Fined for Violating Asbestos Regulations

WHITBY – A construction company was issued a huge fine after labor department inspectors found workers had been exposed to asbestos while demolishing a Whitby building.

Lions Group Inc. of Caledon was fined $50,000 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Justice of the Peace Jack Leblanc imposed the fine on February 22 after the company pleaded guilty in provincial offences court.

The charge stems from a June 27, 2008 incident when labor ministry inspectors discovered five Lions Group workers had not protected themselves from asbestos-containing material during the demolition of Whitby building. The company violated the Health and Safety Act by exposing its workers to the cancer-causing material.

Justice Peace Jack Leblanc also imposed a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge on Lions Group Inc.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. If the material is disturbed or broken, its tiny fibers can become airborne. Inhalation of these fibers often result in severe respiratory issues or/and terminal diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Therefore, taking proper safety precautions is a must while handling asbestos.

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