Arcelormittal Dofasco Inc. Fined $100,000 After Worker Injured
August 6, 2010 11:50 AM
Hamilton, Ont. - Arcelormittal Dofasco Inc., a Hamilton-based company, was fined $100,000 on July 28, 2010, for violating the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.
On January 13, 2009, a worker employed by Arcelormittal Dofasco Inc. at 1330 Burlington Street East in Hamilton was helping other workers to change a crane hook block. The crane was located 23 metres (75 feet) above the floor, and the worker was wearing a fall arrest harness and lanyard. The worker was watching the crane's wire rope as it passed through the old block to be spooled on a drum. The worker's lanyard was caught by the crane's motor drive shaft, pulling the worker into the motor and causing serious injuries.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the crane's motor drive shaft was not protected by a guard to prevent a worker from having access to the rotating shaft.
Arcelormittal Dofasco Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that a machine that has moving parts that may endanger a worker is equipped with a guard or other device which prevents access to the moving parts.
The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Frank Squires. 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
45 Main St. E.
Hamilton, ON
Judge: Justice of the Peace Frank Squires
Date of Conviction: July 16, 2010
Defendant: Arcelormittal Dofasco Inc.
Matter: Occupational Health and Safety
Conviction: Ontario Regulation 851, Section 24
Contacts
- Matt Blajer
Communications Branch
416-326-7405
Ministry of Labour
ontario.ca/labour