REGINA — Regina engineer Robbie Olson has been found guilty of professional incompetence and professional misconduct.
The decision stems from a June 19 ruling from a panel with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS).
The ruling stated Olson demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding load and/or capacity values to be considered when using limit states design, relied on incorrect or non-site-specific geotechnical reports, and in several cases produced foundation designs that did not meet required engineering standards.
In one particular project in Regina in 2015, Olson designed the screw piles for a Rochdale project without using limit states design, a requirement by the 2015 National Building Code of Canada and also the site-specific geotechnical report.
Another project in Hudson Bay saw Olson design screw piles using a geotechnical report completed for another construction project 1.5 km away.
In their decision, the panel ruled that his actions demonstrated both professional incompetence and professional misconduct. Additionally, APEGS stated his work breached the profession's code of ethics and failed to prioritize public safety.
As part of the panel’s decision, Olson has received a written reprimand, a $5,000 fine, and will have to complete courses for ethics and professional practice.
Olson can also no longer practice structural engineering independently until he receives additional education, works 1,000 hours of supervised structural engineering work and satisfies APEGS that he has regained competency.
