Auto Manufacturer Fined $850,000 After Workers Killed
May 25, 2010 4:00 PM
Burlington, Ont. - Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited was fined $850,000 today for violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) after two workers were killed in separate incidents.
On January 31, 2008, a worker was fatally injured at Ford's Oakville assembly plant after being crushed between two forklifts. The worker was standing beside a forklift when a co-worker reversed another forklift into the worker. A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the forklift operator did not keep a clear view of the vehicle's path of travel while reversing.
On January 14, 2009, a worker driving a lift truck carrying an unsecured pallet was killed at Ford's Bramalea parts distribution centre. While the worker was driving the lift truck down a narrow aisle, the pallet struck a storage rack. The worker was crushed between the pallet and the vehicle. A Ministry of Labour investigation found that Ford's material movement policies and procedures were not adequate.
Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to take all reasonable precautions in the circumstances to protect the safety of the workers.
The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Jerry Woloschuk. 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
Burlington, Ont.
Judge: Justice of the Peace Jerry Woloschuk
Date of Conviction: May 25, 2010
Defendants: Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited
Matter: Occupational Health and Safety
Conviction: OHSA, Section 25(2)(h)
Crown Counsel: Line Forestier and Grainne McGrath
Contacts
- Matt Blajer
Communications Branch
416-326-7405
Ministry of Labour
ontario.ca/labour