City of Brampton Fined $75,000 After Young Worker Injured

Brampton, ON - The Corporation of the City of Brampton was fined $75,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a young worker was injured.

On February 20, 2009, City workers were preparing the tube hill for use by the public. Every day, before opening the hill to patrons, workers tested the speed of the hill. To test the speed of the escape lane, a young worker sat in a tube and slid down the lane. The tube slid in the wrong direction, went over the berm, and collided with the tow line lifting device. The worker suffered broken bones, a punctured lung, spinal fracture and a concussion.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that City failed to take the reasonable precaution of ensuring that the berm was adequate for the protection of the worker.

The Corporation of the City of Brampton pleaded guilty to failing to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Michael Barnes.  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 Michael Barnes

                                   

Date of Sentencing:    February 22, 2011

Defendants:                The Corporation of the City of Brampton

Matter:                        Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:                 Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 25(2)(h)

Crown Counsel:         Sarah Loosemore

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