Alec Caldwell
The law rains down on Sunny Roofing
Canadian ContractorSome people never learn. Dong Mo, owner of Sunny Roofing in Toronto is a great example
You would think a smart business man might learn a lesson or two from a prior conviction wouldn’t you? Nevertheless, Mr. Dong Mo was convicted in a Brampton courtroom last week for repeated safety violations. The final price tag to Mr. Mo: a cool $58,750. Read MOL report
No harness, no tether, no nothing! (photo: Alec Caldwell)
Some of Dong Mo’s violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), occurred only two days after a previous conviction in court for failing to make sure workers were wearing fall protection, protective headwear and protective footwear. The fine for that previous conviction was $4,000 !
Mo’s company seems to have no web site or listing with HomeStars. However the conviction can be located easily with Google search. The conviction even appears on the first search page. To say this kind of advertising looks bad for any business, a red light to people or anyone searching for a reputable roofing company, would be a gross understatement.
Sunny Roofing is not alone. I recently I observed work by another residential roofing company (shown in my photo). Safety equipment was non-existent, even for the two workers perched on roof peaks seen throwing shingles down to co-workers below, who were nailing them down. Hopefully the (Ontario) Ministry of Labour inspectors will also be knocking on their door shortly.
Here’s a question: Can companies using safety equipment compete on price against non-compliant companies who flaunt the regulations? Unfortunately, the short answer is ‘No’. According to a company I spoke with recently, correctly observing safety requirements slows workers down. They told me that not using safety equipment can reduce the cost of a job on an average home by between $1,000 to $1,500!
Yet many roofing companies do follow safety requirements. They care about their workers’ health and wellness, and put them above their bottom line. I located two such companies on my work site travels; Doucette Roofing and Durham Roofing. Their teams of workers were fully complying with safety regulations. I know many more companies out there are just like them; we need to spotlight those companies.
CARAHS is an approved Ontario Ministry of Labour Working at Heights Provider # Pro- 34609
Toll free 1 866 366 2930
Fall Protection Online Safety Course
Passion – Commitment – Integrity
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9 Comments » for The law rains down on Sunny Roofing
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[…] In 2015 Dong Mo’s was prosecuted (twice) for the same lack of the safety practices on residential re shingling, his fines totaling $58,750. He allowed his workers to work without fall safety equipment while Working at Heights and not wearing hard hats, as required under the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation 213/91, the Construction Projects Regulation. Read 2015 article: The law rains down on Sunny Roofing […]
Another small business trying to make a dime. Give small business contractors the Grants, loans and other financial safety perks that the unions receive and we will gladly comply!
Excellent article, I couldn’t agree more, it is important to mention the good guys. Remember SAFETY FIRST !
Footnote: some of these guys never learn, I have known some.
Noel M.
Great article! Safety is key and homeowners should also be aware of the benefits to using a reputable company – and by comparison, the costs of using a disreputable one, beyond just monetery value. The one suggestion I might make is to correct the spelling of Google – you have it as Goggle, at present. 🙂
Hi everyone. Thanks for taking the time out and all you comments were welcomed. Thanks for joining in on this situation.
Amy – Glad you picked me up on the Google spelling error. There was laughter at CARAHS on this, as this seems to be a signature error of mine. I promise to work on the “safety” aspect of my spelling this word next time. Lol
Further to my original above article, below is the latest:
Jailed – Part 2 The law rains down on Sunny Roofing in Ontario
Seems some people never learn, and Dong Ho is one of these people who simply don’t get the message and blatantly ignore Ministry of Labour Inspector’s safety orders. Not following safety laws means Dong Ho is currently under lock and key for 20 days in a Toronto Jail. Dong Ho was handed down this prison sentence on November 23, 2017 for putting his workers lives at risk, by failing to comply regulations.
Read more at following link:
http://carahs.org/jailed-part-2-law-rains-sunny-roofing-ontario/
Further to my above article 2 years ago, I thought I’d update how Sunny Roofing (Dong Ho) is continuing his lack of care for his workers.
Jailed – Part 2 The law rains down on Sunny Roofing in Ontario
Seems some people never learn, and Dong Ho is one of these people who simply don’t get the message and blatantly ignore Ministry of Labour Inspector’s safety orders. Not following safety laws means Dong Ho is currently under lock and key for 20 days in a Toronto Jail. Dong Ho was handed down this prison sentence on November 23, 2017 for….
Read more at the following link:
http://carahs.org/jailed-part-2-law-rains-sunny-roofing-ontario/
Hey great post. Much agreed with the info. thanks for sharing!
Dong Mo’s Sunny Roofing Company did my entire roofing on August 22, 2015. The job had a Material Warranty of 40 years and a labour warranty of 10 years. However, the storm which occurred on Friday May 5th blew off a few shingles. It is hard to get in touch with him at (416-305-6320) as he does not pick up the phone or hangs up in the middle of a conversation when he does pick up. We are still waiting to hear from him. I would never recommend his services to anyone.
Safety is so important in the roofing world. I understand that work can go quicker without some of the safety standards being followed, but it’s not ever worth it. SAFETY FIRST!
Thanks for a great article!