Waterloo Textiles Ltd. Fined $75,000 After Worker Injured

Kitchener, ON - Waterloo Textiles Ltd., a Cambridge yarn manufacturer, was fined $75,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.

On August 17, 2009, a worker opened the cover of a machine used to create yarn and found excessive fibers gathered inside. When the worker attempted to remove the fibers, the worker's finger got caught in the machine. The worker's arm was drawn in and partially amputated.

Waterloo Textiles Ltd. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the machine was equipped with a guard or other device to prevent access to its moving parts.

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

                                    70 Centre Ave.

                                    Toronto, ON

Judge:                         Justice of the Peace Robert Gay

Date of Sentencing:     August 11, 2011

Defendant:                   Waterloo Textiles Ltd.

Matter:                         Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:                  Ontario Regulation 851, Section 24

Crown Counsel:           Jennifer Malabar

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