ArcelorMittal Dofasco failed to guard in-running nip hazard
ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P. is a flat steel producer in Hamilton, Ontario, and has been convicted and fined $175,000 following an incident that resulted in a critical injury to a worker. The company pleaded guilty to failing to guard an in-running nip hazard on a piece of machinery.
The offense occurred on June 26, 2021, at the company's Number 2 Tube Mill in Hamilton.
On the day of the incident, four workers were preparing a production line for a tool change at the steel mill. During the changeover process, the line was placed in jog mode, running at a reduced speed. One worker was attending to the weld coil, an element that needed to be removed as part of the tool change. This task involved using a socket wrench to release a bolted plate securing the coil.
The tube steel product being manufactured passed through the weld coil and then proceeded to rollers that guided it to the next phase of the mill. While using the socket wrench on the weld holder plate bolts, the worker's hand was drawn into a pinch point within the machinery, causing a critical injury.
An investigation conducted by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development revealed that the in-running nip hazard was unguarded, allowing the worker to access the hazardous area. As a result, ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P. was found to have failed in ensuring the implementation of the measures and procedures prescribed by Section 25 of Regulation 851 in the workplace, which is in violation of Section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Section 25 of Regulation 851 specifies that "an in-running nip hazard or any part of a machine, device, or thing that may endanger the safety of any worker shall be equipped with and guarded by a guard or other device that prevents access to the pinch point."
The conviction and subsequent penalty highlight the importance of maintaining a safe working environment and adhering to occupational health and safety regulations. Companies must prioritize the implementation of proper safeguards to protect their workers from potential hazards.
The fine imposed against ArcelorMittal Dofasco serves as a reminder to all employers to remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure workplace safety, thereby preventing avoidable accidents and injuries.
