Fripes Export Ltd. Fined $50,000 After Worker Injured

Toronto, Ont. - Fripes Export Ltd., a large used clothing procurement, grading and re-distribution business, located in Toronto, was fined $50,000 on October 13, 2010, for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that caused an injury to a worker.

On October 29, 2009, an electrical contractor working for Fripes Export Ltd. was directing a worker operating a fork lift. The electrical contractor walked backwards into the path of a bale of clothing being ejected from a bailing press. The bail of clothing rolled into the electrical contractor, causing injuries to the electrical contractor's lower limbs.

Fripes Export Ltd. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the lifting, carrying or moving of clothing bales did not endanger the safety of any worker.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace G. Sunit John. 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:                    Scarborough POA Court

                                  1530 Markham Rd. Court Room E-4

                                  Toronto, Ont.

Judge:                       Justice of the Peace G. Sunit John

Date of Conviction:    October 13, 2010

Defendants:               Fripes Export Ltd.

Matter:                       Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:                Ontario Regulation 851/1990, Section 45(a)

Crown Counsel:         Katherine Ballweg

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