Hendrickson Canada Ltd.Fined $65,000 After Worker Injured

Stratford, Ont. - Hendrickson Canada Ltd., a manufacturer of springs used in heavy trucks, pleaded guilty and was fined $65,000 on December 3, 2009, for a violation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) after a worker was injured.

On August 1, 2008, at the company's facility in Stratford, workers were using a welding machine to remove a steel partition attached to the floor.  The machine was powered by a chain of three extension cords.  The machine was malfunctioning, so one worker turned it off and picked up one of the extension cords to remove it from the chain.  While trying to disconnect the cord, the worker was electrocuted and lost consciousness.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the electrical cord had caused the electrical shock because it was faulty.

Hendrickson Canada Ltd. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the electrical cord was maintained in good condition.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Robert Gay.  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

                                   1 Huron St.

                                   Stratford, Ont.

Judge:                        

Justice of the Peace Robert Gay

Date of Conviction:

December 3, 2009

Defendant:

Hendrickson Canada Ltd.

Matter:                      

Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:

OHSA, Section 25(1)(b)

Crown Counsel:

Brian Fukuzawa