A worker was critically injured when a steel bar fell from an industrial magnet
Sellick Equipment Ltd., a manufacturer and supplier of heavy machinery and rough terrain, was fined $40,000 following an incident in which a worker was injured at their industrial plant in Harrow, ON.
The incident occurred on November 23, 2018.
A worker employed at the plant’s fabrication department had been operating an overhead crane. The crane was attached to a chain hoist and a ‘Mag-Mate’ lift magnet (a high powered magnetic device used to lift metal objects). The worker had been using this magnet to transport a chrome plated steel bar, which weighed around 233 pounds (around 106 kg). The bar was being transferred into a drawer to be stored.
The incident occurred when the worker reached underneath the bar to move metal bar within the storage drawer. The bar, suspended by the magnet, dislodged and fell onto the worker, causing critical injuries.
Following an investigation, the Ministry of Labour found that the surface of the magnet had not been kept clear of debris, and fragments of steel burrs and metal shavings were found on the bottom of the magnet.
Furthermore, though the worker had received on-the-job training from the company, they had not received formal overhead crane training, nor had they reviewed the operating manual for the magnet – which specified that the surface of the magnet should be kept clean from debris.
As such, Sellick failed to maintain a lift magnet in good condition, a contravention to section 25(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA). In addition, Section 25(1)(b) of the OSHA requires that an employer must ensure that the equipment, materials and protective devices provided are maintained in good condition.
The firm pleaded guilty, and was fined $40,000 by Justice of the Peace Susan Hoffman and Crown Counsel Alessandra Hollands. In addition, Sellick Equipment will have to pay a 25 per cent victim surcharged, required by the Provincial Offences Act.
This surcharge, will equals $10,000 brings the total fine to $50,000. The surcharge will be credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.
