Supervisor Fined $15,000 After Worker Killed

Bracebridge, ON. - Lauri Romanko, a supervisor at the Lake of Bays Township's public works garage, was fined $15,000 on December 14, 2010, for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that caused a worker's death.

On March 19, 2008, Mr. Romanko and a worker were backing a snow plough toward the garage. Mr. Romanko was driving the plough while the worker was signaling from inside the garage. While in the intended path of the plough, the worker disappeared from Mr. Romanko's view. Mr. Romanko then fatally struck the worker.

Lauri Romanko was found guilty of failing, as a supervisor, to ensure that the worker stayed clear of the intended path of travel of the plough and in full view of its driver.

In addition to the fine, the court made a probation order, which requires Mr. Romanko to perform 120 hours of community service and to be retrained before operating similar equipment again.

The penalty was imposed by Justice of the Peace Anne-Marie Puusaari. 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

                                    3 Dominion St.

                                    Bracebridge, ON

Judge:                         Justice of the Peace Anne-Marie Puusaari

Date of Conviction:      December 14, 2010

Defendants:                 Lauri Romanko

Matter:                        Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:                  Ontario Regulation 851, Section 56(a)

                                    Ontario Regulation 851, Section 56(c)

 Crown Counsel:          Evan Schiller

                                    Tom Schneider

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