Blog Post #207 – Metro Ontario Inc. Fined $100,000 after Worker Injured

Excerpt from the Government of Ontario’s ‘Newsroom’

The grocery store operator Metro Ontario Inc. was fined $100,000 on July 9, 2010, for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that caused an injury to a worker.

On January 18, 2009, a worker at the company’s location in North Bay was using a band saw to cut beef in the meat department. The worker’s hand slipped towards the moving blade, and the blade partially amputated some of the worker’s fingers.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the machine’s blade was improperly guarded.

Metro Ontario Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the saw was equipped with and guarded by a guard that prevented access to its moving blade.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Ruby Beck. 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:

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

“When 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.”

This is my second blog posting that deals with Metro Ontario Inc. The first was posted on August 2, 2011 and dealt with a dock leveler issue in the Etobicoke store and this one is a little farther north in North Bay. Either way, Metro Ontario Inc. seems to be piling up the convictions. The corporate image does not seem to care much for the employee and I wonder how many of the others are experiencing other safety issues.

I promise to keep my eyes and ears open and to prepare another blog if Metro Ontario Inc. is involved. It feels necessary and I would not want any I know working for them; at least until they improve their image by promoting health and safety in the workplace. Maybe twice on the Ontario ‘Newsroom’ website will make them understand that the MOL is very serious when it comes to health and safety. If not, then the $155,000 in total fines will provide some incentive.

Remember — In Ontario, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety need including ‘Machine Guarding’. 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.