Post #371 – Kone Inc. Fined $55,000 after Worker Injured

Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’

Kone Inc., an international corporation that installs and maintains elevators and escalators, was fined $55,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.

On July 2, 2009, two crews of Kone Inc. employees were working in adjacent elevator shafts at 181-183 Wellington St. in Toronto. An upper crew worked at taking apart a temporary platform in one shaft while a lower crew cleaned the bottom of the other shaft. Part of a support post was dropped by a member of the upper crew and it struck a worker from the lower crew, causing arm injuries.

Kone Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that materials were moved in a manner that did not endanger a worker.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Vladimir Bubrin. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

My opinion

The law(s) in contravention:

Ontario ‘Construction’ regulation 213/91 states,

“Material or equipment at a project shall be stored and moved in such a manner that does not endanger a worker.”

The working world needs to be properly trained in the Ontario ‘Construction’ regulations 213/91. The large volume of information may be intimidating but it needs to be read before the first nail is driven of block laid. The construction project can be the most dangerous or the safest place to work depending on the information, instruction and supervision a worker may be given. (sounds like section 25, subsection (2)(a) of the OHSA to me)

Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety need including ‘Material Handling’ and ‘Construction Safety Awareness’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at 

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Foundation Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.