Automotive Parts Producer Fined $75,000 After Worker Injured
March 30, 2010 2:00 PM
Blenheim, Ont. - Vaughan-based Martinrea Fabco Metallic Canada Inc. was fined $75,000 on March 23 for a violation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) after a worker was injured.
On June 24, 2008, a Martinrea worker was assigned to repair a die used for stamping car parts. The worker lowered the die, which weighed over 17,000 kilograms, on two sets of 10 by 10‑centimetre composite plastic blocks with an overhead crane. The blocks were stacked one on top of the other in a designated repair area of the plant. As the worker started to fix the die, it shifted on the blocks and pinned the worker between the die and a guardrail. The worker suffered leg and pelvis injuries.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the blocks were not a uniform length and did not span the full width of the die.
Martinrea Fabco Metallic Canada Inc. pleaded guilty under the OHSA of failing as an employer to ensure that the die was placed on the blocks in a way that did not endanger the safety of the worker.
The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Robert T. 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:
21633 Communication Rd.
Blenheim, Ont.
Judge:
Justice of the Peace Robert T. Gay
Martinrea Fabco Metallic Canada Inc.
Matter:
Occupational Health and Safety
Ontario Regulation 851, Section 45(b)
Crown Counsel:
Jeffrey Clarke
Catherine Glaister
PDF Version - 25 KbContacts
- Matt Blajer
Communications Branch
416-326-7405
Ministry of Labour
ontario.ca/labour