Fort St. John construction firms fined over $7,100 for workplace safety violations

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Two Fort St. John construction firms have been penalized by WorkSafeBC for alleged workplace safety violations.

According to WorkSafeBC’s penalty summaries page, Bryan Ducharme Construction was issued a $2,500 penalty following inspections at a residential complex under construction in Fort St. John.

WorkSafeBC said during two separate inspections, workers employed by the firm were observed “working at heights without adequate fall protection systems in place.” Inspectors determined workers were exposed to fall risks greater than 3.7 metres (12 feet).

The violation was classified as repeated and high-risk. The penalty was imposed on November 13th, 2025.

In a separate case, GTX Cavating was fined $4,668.32 after an inspection at a Fort St. John worksite on October 28th, 2025. 

The summary stated inspectors observed workers inside an excavation where neither benching nor a shoring box had been installed according to written instructions.

WorkSafeBC determined the firm also failed to ensure the excavation was properly sloped, benched or shored before workers entered, as required by the written instructions of a professional engineer. 

The violation was classified as high-risk and repeated.

WorkSafeBC notes on its website that administrative penalties are issued for violations of the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and related orders, and are published to deter unsafe practices and highlight the importance of workplace safety.

The penalty amounts listed are current as of the posting dates and may change if the penalties are reviewed.

Energeticcity.ca reached out to GTX Cavating and Bryan Ducharme Construction for comment and more details on their alleged violations, but did not hear back in time for publication. This story will be updated if more information becomes available.