Canadian Linen And Uniform Service Co. Fined $95,000 After Worker Injured

Toronto, Ont. - Canadian Linen and Uniform Service Co. pleaded guilty and was fined $95,000 on November 25, 2009, for a violation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) after a worker was injured.

On March 9, 2007, at Canadian Linen's Toronto location, an overhead conveyor carrying bags of soiled linen jammed.  A worker climbed onto the metal net guarding under the conveyor and walked across it to reach the jammed area.  The worker fell through the net to the concrete floor, over 3.7 metres below, and sustained broken wrists and head injuries.

Canadian Linen and Uniform Service Co. pleaded guilty to failing, as an employer, to take the reasonable precaution of having a safe procedure to clear jammed overhead conveyors.

The fine was imposed by Justice Brent Knazan.  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.

Court Information at a Glance

Location:                   

Ontario Court of Justice

60 Queen St. W.

Old City Hall

Toronto, Ont.

Judge:                        

Justice Brent Knazan

Date of Conviction:

November 25, 2009

Defendant:

Canadian Linen and Uniform Service Co.

Matter:

Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:

OHSA, Section 25(2)(h)

Crown Counsel:

Alicia Gordon-Fagan