Surrey developer fined $80,500 after endangering workers at an Abbotsford construction site, marking a landmark case for B.C. workplace safety.
Landmark Safety Case in Abbotsford: Developer Fined $80K
A Surrey developer has been slapped with an $80,500 fine after being convicted of multiple safety violations at a construction site in Abbotsford. The case, labeled “landmark” by WorkSafeBC, underscores the serious legal consequences employers face when ignoring worker safety.
Nirmal Singh Takhar, owner and director of Phoenix Homes Ltd., received his sentence on December 10 in Abbotsford provincial court. In addition to the hefty fine, Takhar was placed on two years of probation.
Unsafe Concrete Pour Sparks Investigation
WorkSafeBC launched an investigation on January 25, 2023, after discovering that Takhar instructed workers to pour concrete for a suspended slab ramp without securing the required inspection and written approval from a professional engineer.
During the pour, a WorkSafeBC officer was on-site and observed workers pouring concrete while others removed critical shoring. Shoring, a temporary support system, ensures structural stability during construction.
“The officer immediately ordered work to stop and evacuated workers from the hazard area,” WorkSafeBC said. Shortly after, part of the ramp collapsed, sending debris and wet concrete to the floor below. A stop-work order was issued and the area cordoned off.
Ignoring Safety Orders Puts Workers at Risk
Despite the stop-work order, Takhar later directed three workers to enter the restricted zone to remove debris and broken shoring. WorkSafeBC noted this action “exposed workers to a risk of serious injury or death” and disrupted a reportable workplace incident scene.
Charges and Guilty Plea
Four charges under the Workers Compensation Act were filed against Takhar on January 22, 2025:
- Failing to ensure site-specific planning for formwork and falsework
- Failing to obtain a professional engineering certificate before placing concrete
- Ignoring a stop-work order
- Disturbing the scene of a reportable workplace accident
Takhar pleaded guilty to all charges on March 19, 2025.
Stricter Safety Oversight Imposed
Alongside his fine, Takhar faces additional restrictions:
- Prohibited from acting as a site safety officer
- Required to ensure all companies he owns follow occupational health-and-safety laws
- Must retain a qualified health-and-safety consultant to implement a compliant safety program
Todd McDonald of WorkSafeBC emphasized the broader message: “Workplace safety is a legal obligation. Employers who put workers at risk will face escalating enforcement and legal consequences.”
Phoenix Homes’ Track Record in Abbotsford
Phoenix Homes has built over 500 homes across six Lower Mainland municipalities, including Surrey, Langley, and Abbotsford. Current projects in Abbotsford include Phoenix Central townhomes, Phoenix Garden apartments, and Phoenix Heights apartments. Previous projects include the 2009 Luna townhouse development.
WorkSafeBC says this case sets a critical precedent, sending a clear warning to construction companies across B.C.: worker safety is non-negotiable.
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