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RICHMOND, B.C. — A WorkSafeBC investigation has resulted in more than $80,000 in fines and probation after a developer was found guilty in court of unsafe work and disregarding a stop-work order in a case stemming from 2023. 

According to a press release, an investigation into 1108178 BC Ltd., operating as Phoenix Homes Ltd., found owner and director Nirmal Singh Takhar violated multiple provisions of the Workers Compensation Act by directing unsafe work and disregarding a stop-work order at a construction site in Abbotsford.

On Jan. 25, 2023, WorkSafeBC alleges Takhar instructed workers to pour concrete for a suspended slab ramp without the required prior inspection and written approval from a professional engineer. This is contrary to section 20.26 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR).

During the pour, a WorkSafeBC occupational safety officer attended the site and observed workers pouring concrete while others removed shoring beneath the ramp.

The officer immediately ordered work to stop and removed workers from the hazard area, the release describes. Shortly afterward, a portion of the ramp collapsed, sending concrete and debris to the floor below. A stop-work order was issued and posted at the site and the affected area was cordoned off with caution tape.

Despite the order, WorkSafeBC found Takhar later directed three workers to enter the area to clean up wet concrete and remove broken shoring and reinforcing steel.

“By doing so, Mr. Takhar failed to comply with a stop-work order, exposed workers to a risk of serious injury or death and disturbed the scene of a reportable workplace incident,” WorkSafeBC notes.

Charges were laid on Jan. 22, 2025, under the Workers Compensation Act and included:

• Failure to ensure proper site-specific planning for formwork and falsework (section 20.17, OHS Regulation).
• Failure to obtain professional engineering certification before concrete placement (section 20.26(1), OHS Regulation).
• Failure to comply with a stop-work order (section 90(4), WCA).
• Disturbing the scene of a reportable workplace accident (section 68(2), WCA.

Takhar pleaded guilty to all charges on March 19, 2025, and a hearing took place in provincial court on Dec. 10, 2025

The developer was fined $70,000 plus a $10,500 victim surcharge, along with a two-year probation order, including the following conditions:

• Retaining a qualified health and safety consultant to create a compliant safety program.
• Ensuring all companies under Takhar’s ownership comply with OHSR and WCA requirements.
• Prohibiting Takhar from acting as a site safety officer at any construction workplace.

WorkSafeBC is calling this a landmark case as it sets a precedent for worker safety.

“This sentencing sends a clear message: workplace safety is a legal obligation for employers,” said Todd McDonald, head of prevention services at WorkSafeBC, in a statement. “Employers who disregard their legal obligations and put workers at serious risk of injury or death are subject to escalating enforcement and may face legal consequences.”