Blog Post #1058 – Chemical Firm Penalized

Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine

A Milton, Ontario-based Company that produces and distributes chemical products was fined $100,000 on May 3, 2019 following a worker injury.

On November 17, 2017, a worker employed by Recochem Inc. was operating a plastic blow-moulding machine that manufactures 10 L plastic bottles used in the production of various liquid products from Recochem’s product line. The worker was notified about issues with the quality of the bottles the machine was producing.

When the machine was in operation, the worker opened the steel-framed door and climbed to the top of the machine to determine if there was a blockage in the exhaust pipe. Upon reaching the top of the machine, the worker tripped, fell and got caught in an area where sharp moving parts were opening and closing.

An investigation by the Ministry of Labour revealed that there were no guards or other devices preventing access to the area of the machine where the injury occurred. Neither was the door where the worker entered the machine locked or equipped with an interlock.

The company pleaded guilty to failing to equipment exposed moving part with a guard to prevent accidental access. Following the incident, Recochem complied with in order from the Ministry to guard the machinery by installing an e- stop and an additional guarding to the exterior of the machine.

My opinion

The law(s) in contravention:

Recochem Inc. was found guilty of a contravention Of the Ontario ‘Industrial Establishments’ sector regulation 851/90, section 24 which states,

“Where a machine or prime mover or transmission equipment has an exposed moving part that may endanger the safety of any worker, the machine or prime mover or transmission equipment shall be equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the moving part.”

This was a direct violation of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, (OHSA) section 25, subsection 1(c) which states,

“An employer shall ensure that,

(c) the measures and procedures prescribed are carried out in the workplace.”

Machine Guarding has become a problem more and more. There are numerous reports, in the blog, of companies not having adequate machine guarding and/or any machine guarding at all. This has been, and always will be unacceptable. Please ensure that your machinery meets all the necessary regulatory and engineering standards. Your workforce will certainly appreciate it.

Too bad for this worker. He/she received permanent injuries.

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

We can also be reached at 

Ensure your workplace is a safe place.

Remember – In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’, ‘Machine Guarding’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. 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 – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.

 

 

 

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