The Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) will recommend to the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales (DPCP) that criminal prosecutions be undertaken against an employee and a company following the overturning of a boom truck in the Centre-sud neighbourhood of Montréal. The investigation has shown that the worker who was operating the machinery when the incident occurred was performing tasks reserved for the trade of crane operator without having the qualifications necessary.

The worker may be liable for a fine of between $228 and $445; the employer may be liable for a fine of between $908 and $1,821.

Overturning of a boom truck in centre-sud: Investigation underway

The Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ) is currently conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances behind the overturning of a boom truck on a construction site in the Centre-Sud neighbourhood of Montréal earlier this week.

Preliminary findings show that under the circumstances, this worker should never have been operating this type of machinery. The operation of boom trucks used for the permanent installation of materials or structures is reserved for holders of a competency certificate in the trade of crane operator, without exception.

The investigation will establish the context for this incident and the roles of the individuals involved, notably the worker and the worker’s employer. Recommendations for criminal prosecution may be transmitted to the Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales.

An incident without connection to the training of crane operators

This incident has absolutely nothing to do with the new regulations on training of crane operators and the operation of boom trucks. Indeed, the new qualification implemented under the regulation does not allow for use of this type of machinery for final installation of materials or structures. Only a duly qualified crane operator may perform these tasks.

The parameters for this regulation were endorsed by the employer and union associations of the construction industry and were validated by the CNESST.

The CCQ has a presence on construction sites to ensure compliance with the regulation. It also oversees application of the collective agreements and compliance with trade definitions on construction sites. It follows up immediately on all reports made to it, and it conducts verifications in every region of Québec.

Have you witnessed a situation of noncompliance on a construction site? Notify the CCQ!

If you witness a situation that does not comply with the rules in force or the collective agreements of the construction industry, you can report it in the section “Report a situation or make a complaint”, at ccq.org.

The CCQ processes all reports made to it, and it does so confidentially.