Blog Post #465 – Royal Group, Inc. Fined $50,000 after Worker Injured

Excerpt from the Government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’

Royal Group, Inc., carrying on business as Royal Pipe Co., a Toronto pipe manufacturer, was fined $50,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.

On July 2, 2011, a worker at the company’s Woodbridge manufacturing facility was setting up one of the production lines. The worker slipped on a wet surface and fell onto a machine. The worker’s arm was trapped and injured between the frame of the machine and one of its moving parts.

Royal Group, Inc., carrying on business as Royal Pipe Co., pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the work surface was kept free of slip and fall hazards.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace John MacDonald. 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:

Royal Group Inc. was found guilty of a contravention of section 11 (a), sub-section ii of the Ontario ‘Industrial’ regulation 851/90 which states,

“A floor or other surface used by any worker shall,

(a) Be kept free of,

(ii) Hazards.”

It is obvious that all hazards MUST be ascertained prior to any work being done. Some are obvious but some are not. In this case, the employer did not have the floor, wet as it was, listed as a possible hazard in the workplace and it cost them.

I always wonder if there are safety people in the workplace. Most HR people have a background in health and safety, especially if they have a designation such as a CHRP. (Certified Human Resource Professional)

Safety is an ongoing process and it needs to be incorporated into the workplace culture. Please ensure your workplace is a safe place to work. All it takes is a change in attitude from the management on down.

Be part of the solution and not part of the problem!

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’,’Slips Trips and Falls’ and ‘Housekeeping Safety Awareness’. 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.