Company did not specify how coils should be stored
ArcelorMittal, a maker of steel products, has been fined $75,000, plus a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge after a worker was critical injured on March 11, 2017, at its Hamilton plant.
A worker was engaged in the handling and storage of oil tempered wire coils at the workplace.
Coils are stored upright, leaning against a rotating block, until moved to the strapping area.
The worker was working as a line blocker, which involved connecting the coils to a hoist so that the coils could be moved to the strapping area.
As per established procedure, the worker attempted to place a chain around a coil. The coil fell forward, knocked the worker to the floor and injured the worker.
To prevent coils from tipping, falling or endangering a worker, the company required workers to lean the coils on a 10-degree angle but did not specify how this task was to be performed.
The coil was not stored so it would not tip, collapse or fall, and it could not be removed without endangering the safety of the worker. As such, the defendant violated section 45(b) of the Industrial Establishments Regulation contrary to section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Labour
