Today we are going to look at recent and notable Ontario workplace injuries.
Acute Safety & Safety Services is here to help you prevent workplace injuries. We therefore make sure you and your workers get the best training you need to stay safe on the job. Check out our online course calendar and register today.
So let’s now dig in.
Notable Ontario Workplace Injuries
Worker Fatality in Scarborough Work Yard
Date of accident: October 1, 2017.
Details: An employee was crushed between a work car and a pick-up truck when the work car was being moved.
Penalty: Following a guilty plea, the Toronto Transit Commission was fined $265,000.
Lesson we can learn: Workers must take reasonable precaution to observe the movement of work cars and make sure others are out of the way when they’re in use. Make sure you’re acquainted with the Worker Health and Safety Awareness In 4 Steps training program!
Rail yards can be extremely dangerous work environments.
Critical Injury at Kitchener Company
Date of accident: January 17, 2018.
Details: An employee was critically injured while installing a printing plate on a printing machine.
Penalty: Following a guilty plea, THS Industries Ltd. was fined $50,000.
Lesson we can learn: The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development reports a worker was installing a rubber flexible printing plate while a co-worker was operating the controls of the machine and could not see the worker who was on the other side of the machine. The first worker became pinned between two rollers of the machine while it was operating and received critical injuries as a result of the incident. An inspection revealed the injured worker “did not receive adequate information, instruction, and supervision on how to safely operate the printing press.” Companies need to therefore make sure their employees are properly trained.
For more, read our article on 5 Signs Your Employees Need Work Safety Training.
Fatal Forestry Accident in the Big Pic Forest
Date of accident: January 15, 2018.
Details: A worker was killed when the boom of a tree de-limbing machine released.
Penalty: Following a guilty plea, D & G Logging Ltd. was fined $80,000.
Lesson we can learn: In this case, the boom on the vehicle being used was not blocked or otherwise immobilized to prevent it from moving once the machine had been taken out of service. This reminds us of the importance of basic lock-out / tag-out procedures and general awareness when working with and around heavy machinery.
Workplace safety in remote areas is paramount due to distance from hospitals.
Fatal Fall on Construction Project
Date of accident: January 16, 2017.
Details: A worker was killed after falling into the hopper of a concrete pumper.
Penalty: Following a guilty plea, the company was fined $130,000.
Lesson we can learn: It was determined that a sensor that would have stopped the movement of the concrete auger – the device used to turn the mixer – had been rendered inoperative through a shoddy attempt to fix it. Companies must make sure their equipment is safe and running properly.
Workplace fall awareness is key on construction sites.
Worker Falls from Townhouse Site
Date of accident: February 21, 2018.
Details: A worker fell from a second-floor balcony to the ground while installing aluminum siding.
Penalty: Following a guilty plea, the company was fined $60,000.
Lesson we can learn: Working At Heights Training is required for all construction projects. And as per Section 26.1(1) of Ontario Regulation 213/91, all workers exposed to a fall of more than 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) shall be adequately protected by guardrail system.
For all news on Ontario workplace injuries from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, click here.
Trust ACUTE To Help Prevent Ontario Workplace Injuries
Why get workplace safety training with ACUTE?
Here are just some of the benefits of working with ACUTE.
- Open Door Instructor-Student Partnership – ACUTE’s training services emphasize client participation. Staff foster relationships with clients and serve as a touchstone for advice anytime moving forward.
- Serving Your Team and Industry – With a vast array of clients in manufacturing, construction, health, academic, and government sectors, ACUTE brings the best safety practices from across the spectrum to your workplace.
- 100 Years Combined Experience – ACUTE provides comprehensive health and safety training, on-site safety services, and consulting services. With over 100 years of combined experience, our company staff offer more than theoretical or abstract ideas. ACUTE offers solutions.
- Track Record of Success – ACUTE is rated 4.9/5 stars on Google reviews, demonstrating a commitment to our clients, quality, and passion for training.
“Acute Safety tailored the Hoisting and Rigging training to suit the needs of our municipality. The trainer was knowledgeable and engaging, and brought lots of hands-on materials so everyone could try out what they learned. Then, when I need proof of training, they promptly responded to my request by providing the training booklet and list of trainee’s two years after the training occurred – which was very much appreciated.” – Nancy W
Click here to see what training courses we have at ACUTE or contact us today for quality training in your workplace or on-site at ACUTE’s proven training facilities!
