Atkinson Irrigation Limited Fined $50,000 After Worker Injured

Brampton, ON. - Atkinson Irrigation Limited, of Stayner, was fined $50,000 on November 18, 2010, for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that caused a worker to be injured.

On June 15, 2009, the company was expanding an irrigation system at the Toronto Golf Club in Mississauga. A worker cut the cap off an existing irrigation pipe and it exploded, sending shards of piping throughout the work area. A piece of debris struck the worker in the leg, causing injury.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the pipe was under pressure when the worker cut into it. This is what caused the explosion.

Atkinson Irrigation Limited pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the pipe's internal pressure was adjusted to atmospheric pressure before the worker cut into it.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Richard Quon. 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

                                    5 Ray Lawson Blvd.

                                    Brampton, ON

Judge:                         Justice of the Peace Richard Quon

Date of Conviction:      November 18, 2010

Defendants:                 Atkinson Irrigation Limited

Matter:                        Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:                 Ontario Regulation 213/91, Section 48(1)(a)

Crown Counsel:          Jennifer Malabar

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