Automotive Detailer Fined $50,000 After Worker Injured

Burlington, Ont. - 679051 Ontario Limited, carrying on business as Auction Reconditioning Centre, was fined $50,000 on February 16, 2010, for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) that caused an injury to a worker.

On May 1, 2006, a worker at the company's Milton facility was vacuuming the trunk of a car. Another car pulled up behind the worker, and a van pulled up behind the second car. The van hit the second car, causing it move forward and pinch the worker between its bumper and the bumper of the car being vacuumed. The worker suffered arm and leg injuries.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the driver of the van was a young worker who was not trained to drive vehicles for the company.

679051 Ontario Limited was found guilty, after trial, of failing to ensure that the young worker received information, instruction and supervision in the safe operation and parking of vehicles at the workplace.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Lina Mills. 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

                                    2051 Plains Rd.

                                    Burlington, Ont.

Judge:                         Justice of the Peace Lina Mills

Date of Conviction:      September 15, 2009

Date of Sentence:       February 16, 2010

Defendant:                  679051 Ontario Limited, c.o.b. as Auction Reconditioning Centre

Matter:                        Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:                 OHSA, Section 25(2)(a)

Crown Counsel:         Mike Nicol

PDF Version - 27 Kb