Blog Post #394 – Vehicle Part Manufacturer, Dresden Industrial, Fined $50,000 after Worker Injured

Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’

KSR International Co., carrying on business as Dresden Industrial-Ridgetown, a maker of vehicle parts, was fined $50,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.

On May 20, 2010, at the company’s facility in Ridgetown, a worker was trying to fix a press that was not working. The worker entered the press to determine the problem and correct it. When the press started working again, it closed on part of the worker’s hand, injuring the worker.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the worker had not used a block to stop the press from moving.

KSR International Co., carrying on business as Dresden Industrial-Ridgetown, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the press had maintenance work performed on it only after it had been blocked to prevent its movement.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Michael Hurst. 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:

KSR International, carrying on business as Dresden Industrial-Ridgetown, was found guilty of violating section 75 (b) of the Ontario ‘Industrial’ regulation 851/090 which states,

“Where the starting of a machine, transmission machinery, device or thing may endanger the safety of a worker,

b) Effective precautions necessary to prevent any starting shall be taken.”

Here we find a company not establishing lockout and tagout procedures or the lack of supervision in the repair/maintenance process. The entire process has to be documented and followed. The employer could have easily been charged with other sections of the ACT or regulations such as,

Section 25, subsection 2 (a) of the OHSA which states,

“The employer shall provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health and safety of the worker.”

Section 25, subsection 2(h) of the OHSA which states,
“The employer shall take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of the worker.”

In any case, the government of Ontario, through the enforcement by the Ministry of Labour, is ensuring the workplace in Ontario becomes a safer workplace, one step at a time.

HRSGroup Inc. delivers a course on ‘Lockout and Tagout’ which includes the blocking of machine, if required, as part of the process. The employer has to ensure that all hazards have been identified prior to the lockout procedure and the employee and/or supervisor have been made fully aware of the situation.

Please check out our schedule. We can provide the training at our facility or we can deliver the course to your place of business and at your convenience. We HAVE been known to train as far away at Brantford and have delivered courses at all hours. Do not hesitate to call Samantha at (705) 749-1259, and tell her Dan sent you.

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  ‘Lockout and Tagout’. 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 – Foundation Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.