Blog Post #460 – Northstar Hospitality GP Inc. Fined $70,000 after Worker Injured

Excerpt from the government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’

Northstar Hospitality GP Inc. was fined $70,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured at the Toronto Hilton.

On August 9, 2011, a worker was doing a weekly test of the Toronto Hilton’s emergency generator equipment. The worker saw a leak under the radiator at the back of the generator and leaned over near the fan box to get a better look. The worker’s hand inadvertently entered an opening at the bottom of the fan box and the worker’s fingers were amputated.

Northstar Hospitality GP Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the generator was guarded to prevent access to its moving parts.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Kevin Madigan. 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:

Northstar Hospitality GP Inc. was found guilty of a contravention of section 24 of the Ontario ‘Industrial’ regulation 851/90 which states,

“Where a machine or prime mover or transmission equipment has an exposed moving part that may endanger the safety of any worker, the machine or prime mover or transmission equipment shall be equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the moving part.”

It is usually the way that a machine has either a guard missing or an inferior guard, one not adequate to the needs of the machine to fully protect all workers. All it would take is a review of the machine, preferably by the health and safety committee. One may also contact the manufacturer of the equipment to ensure that any and all guards are there and in place.

I realize this is too late for this worker, but it is not too late for any other employer to learn from Northstar’s mistake. A simple review of your equipment is all it would take.

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 ‘Machine Guarding’ and ‘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.