Engineering company hit with $12k fine following Coquitlam job

A key omission in the engineering plans at a Burquitlam jobsite resulted in TNAI Engineering Ltd. facing a $12,373 penalty, according to a recent release from WorkSafeBC.

At issue were shoring frames and Aluma beams, many of which were damaged, according to a WorkSafeBC report.

The issue was brought to the attention of TNAI Engineering in an April 2024 meeting. At that meeting, a company representative was advised that “any deviation” from an engineered design needed to be recorded and re-certified. The company was also informed that plans needed to include the rejection criteria for components being used.

However, when inspecting the site at 608 Elmwood St. in January 2025, an inspector spotted “multiple deficiencies” in the components.

Deficiencies included twisted Aluma-style beams as well as shoring frames that were: “punctured, bent, and bearing cracked welds.”

The inspector told a company representative to speak with the engineer and ensure the changes and deficiencies were recorded before the concrete pour.

On Feb. 10, after not receiving any communication from the company, the inspector asked about the prior-to-pour certification as well as changes made due to the compromised components.

While there were changes to upgrade the formwork, the changes “were not noted” on the prior-to-pour certificate.

The plans didn’t include: “information necessary to accurately and safely erect and use the formwork and falsework,” according to a report from a WorkSafeBC occupational safety officer.

The formwork was also upgraded with new shoring products which weren’t noted on the prior-to-pour certificate.

This was a repeated violation, according to WorkSafeBC.