Calgary employer sentenced to community service for violating OHS Act

The employer of a man who was paralyzed after falling through a floor at a Calgary construction site in 2012 has been sentenced to serve 200 hours of community service and pay a $10,000 fine.

The worker fell through an opening between floor joists at a residential construction site on Aug.21, 2012. He fell about 6.6 metres and suffered "paralytic injuries" from the chest down.

Needoba Construction Ltd., is the first employer in Alberta history to be sentenced to serve community service for violating the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

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A corporate representative from the company will perform the community service with Hearts and Hammers, which provides home renovations to help people with mobility challenges.

"OHS recommended Hearts and Hammers so the employer could use his years of experience to give back to society and those with mobility challenges," said a release from the provincial government.

Needobaalso faces 18 months probation.