Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’
A worker suffered an injury when a piece of wire was ejected from a grinder wire wheel. Humphrey Fleet Service Inc. failed to ensure that the worker was wearing eye protection appropriate in the circumstances, contrary to regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
On April 20, 2023, a worker was removing and replacing a rear light assembly on a customer’s trailer in one of the Humphrey Fleet Service Inc. repair bays.
This task involved removing the light box from the trailer, straightening it using a bottle jack and re-installing it by securing it with four bolts on the trailer. After re-installing the light box, the worker removed the silicone seal using a grinder equipped with a wire wheel head.
In the process of replacing the silicone seal using the same grinder, a piece of the wire was ejected from the wheel head, injuring the worker. The worker was not wearing any eye protection at the time.
A Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development investigation revealed that Humphrey Fleet Service Inc. employed several methods to remind workers to wear eye protection, but none were documented or enforced.
Following a guilty plea in Provincial Offences Court in Stratford, Ontario, Humphrey Fleet Service Inc. was fined $55,000 by Justice of the Peace Emma Simms. Crown Counsel was Judy L. Chan.
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:
Humphrey Fleet Services Inc. was found guilty of a contravention of the Ontario ‘Industrial Establishments’ sector regulation 851/90, section 81 which states,
“A worker exposed to the hazard of eye injury shall wear eye protection appropriate in the circumstances.”
This is in direct contravention 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.”
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.
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.
Good!