HFI Pyrotechnics Inc. Fined $50,000 After Workers Injured
March 3, 2010 4:10 PM
Brockville, Ont. - HFI Pyrotechnics Inc., of Prescott, was fined $50,000 today for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that caused worker injuries.
On October 18, 2008, workers were burning waste associated with the manufacturing of pyrotechnics. The waste had accumulated over the summer months but had not yet been burnt. Workers took large bags of explosive waste from a pickup truck, repackaged the waste into smaller bags, and placed those bags on a burn pit. One of the bags on the truck ignited and the fire spread to the rest of the truck. Two workers suffered burn injuries as a result.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the company had a written procedure for burning waste, but it did not give specific instructions for waste management, waste accumulation and personal protective equipment. The policy also did not describe procedures for waste collection and storage.
HFI Pyrotechnics Inc. pleaded guilty to failing take the reasonable precaution of establishing a written procedure that incorporated policies for the timely disposal and destruction of pyrotechnic waste.
The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace William Stewart. 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
32 Wall St.
Brockville, Ont.
Judge: Justice of the Peace William Stewart
Date of Conviction: March 3, 2010
Defendant: HFI Pyrotechnics Inc.
Matter: Occupational Health and Safety
Conviction: Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 25(2)(h)
Crown Counsel: Brian Blumenthal
Contacts
- Matt Blajer
Communications Branch
416-326-7405
Ministry of Labour
ontario.ca/labour