Fines Imposed for Workplace Fatalities

The Canadian government has recently successfully prosecuted three federally regulated companies for not providing adequate protection. The prosecutions followed workplace fatalities.

One of the prosecutions involved Downsview Park Ltd. On October 17, 2005, a self employed artist was found pinned between the top rail of a scissor lift and the concrete overhang on a garage door. It was determined that he died from traumatic asphyxia. The company was found guilty on two counts of violating the Canada Labour Code, Part II, and ordered to pay a fine of $ 75,000.

Another accident occurred at Municipal Tank Line. On February 22, 2006, an employee died while attempting to clean a 500 gallon paint container made of mild steel. It was determined that he died from solvent inhalation. On November 2, 2007, the employer plead guilty to one charge under Section 124 of the Canada Labour Code, Part II. The judge assessed a financial penalty of $215,000.

The third incident involved Terra Nova Transport Ltd. On November 14, 2005, a general maintenance worker was told to remove a refrigeration unit known as a reefer from a trailer. He died due to the extent of the injuries sustained when the reefer fell on him after he removed the last bolt holding it to the trailer. The employer pleaded guilty and was fined $20,000.