Nathan Proper

The Respondents, a professional engineer and his engineering firm, faced a discipline hearing regarding structural design plans they signed and sealed for two building projects.

The plans were found to be deficient, lacking necessary data such as climatic data, design loads, and connection details, leading to the denial of building permits.

The Respondents admitted to the facts and pleaded guilty to professional misconduct, specifically negligence and failure to comply with applicable standards.

The Discipline Committee accepted a joint submission on penalty, ordering a reprimand, publication of the decision, and a restriction on their licence requiring direct supervision by another professional engineer.

The Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario brought disciplinary proceedings against a member and his engineering firm for professional misconduct related to the design of Open Web Steel Joists for a school addition.

The member, who lacked expertise in steel joist design, submitted drawings and calculations containing numerous errors and failing to comply with the Ontario Building Code and applicable standards.

The member admitted to the allegations, acknowledging he undertook work for which he was not qualified and failed to maintain the standards of a reasonable and prudent practitioner.

The Discipline Committee accepted an Agreed Statement of Facts and a Joint Submission on Penalty, ordering a reprimand, a one-month suspension, and a restriction prohibiting the member from providing structural engineering services until he passes specific examinations.