Mechanical Contractor Fined $125,000 After Worker Killed
May 18, 2010 12:00 PM
Ottawa, Ont. - S & R Mechanical, a division of Cumberland-based 681291 Ontario Inc., was fined $125,000 yesterday for a violation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) after a worker was killed at a construction project in Ottawa.
On September 8, 2008, a worker suffered fatal head and chest injuries after being struck by a 181-kilogram pipe during a hoisting operation. The worker was on a ladder guiding the pipe into an overhead rack when the hoist's anchor snapped, causing the pipe and hoist to fall.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the anchor system was not properly installed.
S & R Mechanical pleaded guilty to failing as an employer to ensure that the hoist was arranged to prevent the pipe from slipping or falling.
The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Herb Kreling. 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
100 Constellation Cres., Courtroom 101
Ottawa, Ont.
Judge: Justice of the Peace Herb Kreling
Date of Conviction: May 17, 2010
Defendants: S & R Mechanical, a division of 681291 Ontario Inc.
Matter: Occupational Health and Safety
Conviction: Ontario regulation 213/91, Section 172(c)
Contacts
- Matt Blajer
Communications Branch
416-326-7405
Ministry of Labour
ontario.ca/labour