Topic
Engineering
A new way for insurers to handle construction delays and cost overruns
March 17, 2022 Jonathan E. McNattySince 2016, the federal government’s slated nearly $100 billion to support development of transit extensions, shipping port improvements, affordable housing and more. When private-sector construction slowed in March 2020, federal infrastructure building quickly filled the gap. And, throughout 2021, both…
Why pollution liability brokers should pay attention to this auditor general report
December 9, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe Ontario government should re-visit a rule that leaves polluters off the hook for hazardous spills that cost less than $10,000 to clean up, the province’s auditor general suggests. In 2016, the Ontario environment ministry [now called the Ministry of…
How coffee whitener and aluminum dust can pose a fire risk
October 19, 2021 by Greg MeckbachClients could be surprised at the fire and explosion risk to which they are exposed if they are in the 3D printing business or produce dust of any kind. “It is easier to name the dusts that are not explosible…
Tornado blows change through Ontario bylaws
October 5, 2021 Jason Contant, Online EditorMunicipalities respond to series of tornadoes with new rules governing building construction.
30 Forensic Engineering Strengthens Materials & Product Failure Group with the Appointment of Daniel Balagot P.Eng.
September 17, 2021 -30- Forensic EngineeringTORONTO, ON, SEPTEMBER 17, 2021/insPRESS/ – 30 Forensic Engineering, Canada’s leading multidisciplinary forensic firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Balagot B.A.Sc., P.Eng. as Associate, within the Materials & Product Failure / Piping & HVAC group.x Daniel holds a Chemical Engineering…
Engineering or maintenance? Why both CGL and professional liability could cover this lawsuit
September 1, 2021 by Greg MeckbachA British Columbia court has ruled in favour of Northbridge General Insurance Corporation in a dispute with XL Specialty Insurance Company over liability coverage arising from a strata power failure. Both insurers wrote policies for PCA Valence Engineering Technologies Ltd.,…
Supreme Court of Canada won’t reverse this municipal liability finding
August 17, 2021 by Greg MeckbachAn August 12 Supreme Court of Canada decision means a Toronto-area municipality remains not liable for an electric shock suffered by a teenager at a public sports field. Zoe Onley was 18 when she was placing soccer on a wet…
Why your clients should do an inspection before buying a home
July 21, 2021 by Greg MeckbachA couple who discovered a leaking bathtub after moving into their new home cannot get compensation from the sellers. A “reasonable inspection” would have revealed a water problem before Tyler and Keva Luscombe bought their home in 2020, the British…
Get ready for hundreds of claims from Barrie twister
July 21, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe industry will probably see well over 200 claims from the July 15 tornado that hit Barrie, Ont., says a wind damage expert who has looked at the affected area. “I expect the total number of damaged houses was about…
Why insured losses from Barrie twister may be higher than you think
July 16, 2021 by Greg MeckbachThe number of Barrie, Ont. clients whose homes are damaged beyond repair by Thursday’s tornado may be more than initially reported, an industry expert predicted Friday. The tornado touched down at about 2:30 p.m. July 15, the Canadian Press reported.…
Temple Insurance wins appeal in construction wrap-up dispute
July 12, 2021 by Greg MeckbachTemple Insurance Company has won its appeal of a 2020 Court of Queen’s Bench of Saskatchewan ruling in a disputed construction wrap-up liability claim. Temple now has to pay some (but not all) of the legal defence costs incurred by…
5 reasons why fire sprinklers fail, and what your clients can do about it
July 6, 2021 by Greg MeckbachBuilding renovations are among five common reasons for fire sprinkler failure, according to Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, a partner for ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, in a recent article on TheBigRedGuide.com. Typical renovation incidents that can cause failure include collisions with construction equipment,…