The superintendent for an Ontario contractor testified on Monday that his company has made harnesses mandatory for all employees at risk of falls - a response to the death of a worker who fell when a concrete slab slipped two years ago.
None of the employees who worked drilling foundation pillars were wearing harnesses the day site supervisor Glen Barnes was essentially swallowed up by collapsing soil, according to superintendent Aidan MacIsaac. Published reports indicated, however, that witnesses testifying expressed doubt that a harness would have prevented Barnes's death.
The incident occurred in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada on November 15, 2005. Pro-Caisson was contracted to build eight concrete piers as part of the foundation for expansion of Owen Sound's municipal water filtration plant.