Bombardier Inc. Fined $75,000 After Worker Falls, Suffers Injuries

Bombardier Inc. Fined $75,000 After Worker Falls, Suffers Injuries

TORONTO, ON - Bombardier Inc. and its aerospace division has been fined $75,000 after a worker fell from a scissor lift at its Toronto facility, suffering a head injury and broken bones.

On July 24, 2013, the worker at the company's facility at 123 Garratt Boulevard was working on a plane engine and used a scissor lift to do so. The worker fell about five feet to the concrete floor below. The worker's other injuries included a dislocation and scrapes.

A Ministry of Labour investigation determined that the worker fell because the end gate of the scissor lift was held open by plastic ties and the latch was taped over. The investigation also determined that the worker did not carry out the required daily check on the lift before using it.

Bombardier pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that equipment, materials and protective devices provided by the employer were maintained in good condition at the workplace, and was fined $75,000.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Catherine M. Shoniker in Toronto court December 12, 2014.

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:

Provincial Offences Court

70 Centre Street

Toronto, Ontario

Judge:

Justice of the Peace Catherine M. Shoniker 

Date of Sentencing:

December 12, 2014

Defendant:

Bombardier Inc.

800 Boulevard Rene-Levesque Ouest

Montreal, Quebec (head office)

Bombardier Aerospace

123 Garratt Boulevard

Toronto, Ontario (workplace)

Matter:

Occupational health and safety

Conviction:

Occupational Health and Safety Act

Section 25(1)(b)