Knotek Brothers Inc. Fined $40,000 After Worker Injured

Chatham, ON - Knotek Brothers Inc., operator of a greenhouse in Chatham, was fined $40,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.

On October 27, 2009, a farm laborer was clearing plant debris from the greenhouse. Old vines and strings had been placed on tarps between the rows of plants, and the worker was using a machine designed to reel in the tarps. The worker's arm was caught in the machine and amputated when the worker attempted to adjust a tarp on the rotating shaft of the machine.

Knotek Brothers Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to take the reasonable precaution of ensuring that a guard was in place to protect the worker from the moving part of the machine.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Robert Gay. 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

                                    21633 Communication Rd.

                                    Chatham, ON

Judge:                         Justice of the Peace Robert Gay

Date of Sentencing:     July 21, 2011

Defendant:                  Knotek Brothers Inc.

Matter:                        Occupational Health and Safety

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

Crown Counsel:          Line Forestier

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