Fatality from Faulty Electrical Work Results in $537,500 Fine for Contractor

A licensed electrical contractor in Niagara Falls, Ontario, was fined $537,500 on March 30 — the largest fine in the history of electrical contractor licensing in Ontario. In April 2014, an elderly gentleman fell on the floor in the bathroom of his Niagara-on-the-Lake home where Pro-Teck Electric had installed an in-floor heating system. The man suffered second and third degree burns from the over-heated floor and succumbed to his injuries weeks later in hospital.

An Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) investigation revealed the floor system’s heat sensor had not been installed, and the heating system was wired to an incorrect voltage level.

The company pleaded guilty to three charges:

– leaving an unsafe electrical condition

– failure to procure connection authorization before use

– failure to apply for an electrical inspection

“We are terribly saddened by this incident and it underscores how dangerous electrical work can be when it’s not done properly,” says Scott Saint, Chief Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority. “We aggressively pursue those who work outside the law and we’re pleased the court has delivered a strong message that if you break the law and put public safety at risk, there will be serious consequences.”

Licensing laws, permits and inspection requirements are in place to help protect consumers and make Ontario a safer place in which to live, work and play.