Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’
On June 24, 2020, a worker, employed by Indwisco Limited of Concord, Ontario, was attempting to do a quality check on a vertical wire drawing machine. The machine was located on an elevated platform accessible by a stairway with six steps. While climbing the stairs to perform the task, the worker lost their footing. When instinctively extending their arms to brace their fall, the worker’s gloved hand came in contact with the moving wire, injuring the worker.
Following a guilty plea in the Ontario Court of Justice, Newmarket Court, Indwisco Limited was fined $110,000 by Justice of the Peace Rhonda Shausterman; Crown Counsel, Line Forestier.
The court also 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:
Indwisco Ltd. Was found guilty of a contravention of the Ontario ‘Industrial Establishments’ sector regulation 851/90, section 25 which states,
An in-running nip hazard or any part of a machine, device or thing that may endanger the safety of any worker shall be equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the pinch point.
It would have been wise for Indwisco Ltd. to have read from this blog instead of being part of it.
Every safety professional worth his/her salt knows that “Machine Guarding” is the number one hazard in an industrial setting.
Number1!
If Indwisco Ltd. had hired a competent safety professional, like those at HRS Group Inc., they would have been advised and may have avoided the accident.
By the way, the OHSA has a definition for “Competency” which is’
““Competent person” means a person who,
(a) is qualified because of knowledge, training, and experience to organize the work and its performance,
(b) is familiar with this Act and the regulations that apply to the work, and
(c) has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the workplace.”
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 www.hrsgroup.com.
Ensure your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Ontario, “All accidents are Preventable”
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO and Training Director