Blog Post #76 – Arcelormittal Tubular Products Canada Inc. Fined $110,000 After Worker Critically Injured

Excerpts from the Ontario Government’s ‘Newsroom’

ArcelorMittal Tubular Products Canada Inc., a Hamilton company, was fined $110,000 on April 14, 2009, for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), after a worker was seriously injured.

On December 11, 2007, a worker at the company’s facilities at 14 Holtby Avenue in Brampton was using a lift truck to move steel coils from a cradle. While outside the truck retrieving safety upright bars for the cradle, a coil, weighing 2.708 metric tons (5,970 lb.) tipped onto the worker’s leg. As a result of injuries, the worker’s leg was amputated below the knee.

ArcelorMittal Tubular Products Canada Inc. pleaded guilty under the OHSA to failing, as an employer, to ensure material that is stored will not tip, collapse or fall, and can be removed or withdrawn without endangering the safety of a worker.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace J. Farnum. In addition to the fine, the court also imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge on the total, 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:

Arcelormittal Tubular Products Canada Inc. Was charged and convicted under the ‘Industrial Establishment’ regulation 851/90, section 45, subsection (b) which states,

“Materials, articles or things, shall be transported, placed or stored so that the material, articles or things,

I. Will not tip, collapse or fall; and
II. Can be removed or withdrawn without endangering the safety of any worker.”

As you can see, here we have another company that does not understand their responsibility under the ACT.

Every company should have a Health & Safety Coordinator that understands the ACT and the regulations and provides proper guidance to the company on the safety aspect of the workplace and the company’s responsibilities towards that end. Companies that do not have this place will feel the sting when receiving judgement by the MOL because their workers are constantly in danger in the workplace.

I am always surprised when I see, one after another, a company decide to run its business without applying all the safety protection for its employees.

Shame! Shame!

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

We can also be reached at

Remember — In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

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