Metro Ontario Inc. Fined $100,000 After Worker Injured

North Bay, Ont. - The grocery store operator Metro Ontario Inc. was fined $100,000 on July 9, 2010, for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that caused an injury to a worker.

On January 18, 2009, a worker at the company's location in North Bay was using a band saw to cut beef in the meat department. The worker's hand slipped towards the moving blade, and the blade partially amputated some of the worker's fingers.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the machine's blade was improperly guarded.

Metro Ontario Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the saw was equipped with and guarded by a guard that prevented access to its moving blade.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Ruby Beck. 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

                                    360 Plouffe St.

                                    North Bay, ON

Judge:                         Justice of the Peace Ruby Beck

Date of Conviction:      July 9, 2010

Defendant:                   Metro Ontario Inc.

Matter:                         Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:                  Ontario Regulation 851, Section 24

Crown Counsel:           Natasha Wilson

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