Hydraulic pressure was used to remove flywheel that struck and killed a worker
Western Mechanical Electrical Millwright Services Ltd., a Barrie-based company providing industrial contracting services, has been fined $200,000 after pleading guilty to occupational health and safety violations that contributed to a worker fatality.
A man was struck and killed by a flywheel on June 14, 2021, while working for the company, which was contracted to disassemble a decommissioned Primary Heat Transport Pump Motor in Tiverton, Ontario.
According to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD), during the process, a supervisor applied hydraulic pressure to the motor's hub to remove the large flywheel.
"The flywheel moved off the hub suddenly in an explosive fashion," states the MLTSD, "the flywheel struck the worker causing a fatal injury."
The investigation conducted by the ministry revealed significant lapses in safety measures by Western Mechanical Electrical Millwright Services Ltd. The flywheel, which measured 72 inches in diameter, 6.5 inches thick, and weighed approximately 7,200 pounds, was found to be improperly attached to the rotating shaft.
The investigation also discovered the equipment for manual flywheel removal, such as the strong back bar and threaded rods, were not installed correctly and were unfit for use.
"The investigation revealed that there was no denoted hazard zone placed around the motor once the decision was made to use hydraulic pressure to remove the flywheel," explains the MLTSD. "There were no precautions or other safeguards, such as the use of a restraining device in place, to ensure that the movement of the flywheel did not endanger the safety of the worker and supervisor."
There was also lack of communication and oversight within the company regarding job procedures and worker safety. "No one from the Company had reviewed the motor disassembly job with the workers or reviewed the process of removing the flywheel safely from the motor," stated the press release, emphasizing the failures in ensuring worker protection.
The charges against Western Mechanical Electrical Millwright Services Ltd. were based on violations of section 45(a) of Regulation 851, the Regulations for Industrial Establishments, and section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. These sections require employers to adhere to proper precautions, safeguards, and measures when lifting, carrying, or moving materials to ensure worker safety.
Justice of the Peace Emma Sims imposed a fine of $200,000 on the company during the Provincial Offences Court hearing. In addition to the fine, a 25 percent victim fine surcharge was added, as required by the Provincial Offences Act, with the surcharge directed towards a special provincial government fund to support crime victims.
