Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’
A worker, employed by Laminacorr Industries Inc., of Cornwall, Ontario, was critically injured while performing duties at the company’s Marleau Avenue facility.
On July 7, 2021, a worker was performing duties in the skid assembly area of Laminacorr. The worker was operating a machine called a Baker Single Notcher, putting notches into 2” x 4″ boards that would serve as the base for pallets. While attempting to retrieve a piece of wood that was left in the notcher, the worker received a critical injury.
The in-running nip hazard between the cutting heads of the machine was unguarded, contrary to s. 25 of Regulation 851, R.R.O. 1990 as amended.
Following a guilty plea in Provincial Offences Court in Cornwall, ON, Laminacorr Industries Inc. was fined $50,000 by Justice of the Peace Claire Winchester; Crown Counsel, Alicia Gordon-Fagan.
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:
Lamincorr Industries c. was found guilty of a contravention of the ‘Industrial Establishments’ sector regulation for Ontario, 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.”
This is contrary to section 25, subsection 1(c) of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) which states,
“An employer shall ensure that,
(c) the measures and procedures prescribed are carried out in the workplace.”
We all know that falls are the leading cause of deaths in the ‘construction’ sector, but did you know that Machine Guarding is the #1 hazard in the ‘Industrial’ sector.
Please read this blog to find our more information. Punch up ‘Machine Guarding’ and be up-to-date.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Machine Guarding’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
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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 & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.