Blog Post #627 – Strathcona Paper GP Inc. Fined $50,000

Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’

Strathcona Paper GP Inc., a New Brunswick-based manufacturer of medium-to heavy-weight paper board that operates a plant in Napanee, was fined $50,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.

On March 13, 2013, workers were making paper at Strathcona’s Napanee plant when paper threaded onto the drying drums came apart. The paper then had to be removed from the drums before the process could continue. One worker saw some paper near a pulley, which was on the other side of a removable guard.The worker removed the guard and reached for the paper. As the worker did so, a telescoping fiberglass pole that was part of the worker’s equipment became caught in the pulley and struck the worker, causing lacerations to the throat and armpit.

Strathcona Paper GP Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that a piece of moving equipment that may endanger a worker was equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the moving part.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Jack Chiang. 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:

Strathcona Paper GP Inc. was found guilty of a contravention of section 24 of the Ontario ‘Industrial’ regulation 851/90 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.”

Machine Guarding – a course all unto itself!

Every design engineer fully understands that all machines that have moving parts must have a proper guard in place to protect the worker/operator from coming in contact with the moving parts. PERIOD!
Please ensure that your workforce is protected from the dangers of a machine and, if a guard design change is made, please ensure that the design takes into account all aspects of safety to better protect the worker.

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
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.

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