Worker lost a hand in 2017 incident
The Manitoba government has fined not-for-profit theatre company Rainbow Stage (1993) Inc. a total of $16,200 for an incident that caused one worker to lose a hand while conducting work.
The incident took place on June 12, 2017, when a worker was constructing a prop desk using an unguarded table saw when the wood began to bind. The worker hit the stop button on the table saw, but the worker’s hand came into contact with the blade as it was coming to a stop. As a result, the worker sustained an amputation and other significant injuries to the hand.
The employer – governed by a board of directors and managed by a team of seven full-time employees – was fined $14,950 and an additional $1,250 for violations under The Workplace Safety and Health Act and its associated regulations.
Following the conviction, Manitoba Finance reminded employers to ensure workplaces are safe and adequate safeguards are in place for machines.
The province may publish information on stop-work orders, administrative penalties and convictions to inform and educate employers and workers of their legal responsibilities under The Workplace Safety and Health Act and regulations. These measures are applied as behaviour-changing tools to encourage safe work practices, said the government.
Recently, Parkland Fuel Corporation was fined $187K for a worker’s burn injury. Also, Steve Nash Fitness World & Sports Clubs was fined $147,238.19 for lack of a joint health and safety committee.
