The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) branch of Manitoba Growth, Enterprise and Trade is reminding employers to ensure serious incidents are reported and adequate safeguards are in place for machines after two employers were prosecuted for violations under The Workplace Safety and Health Act. Because of these prosecutions, penalties totalling more than $111,000 were ordered by the courts.
On April 12, 2016, a worker with Winkler-based Prinsco Canada Inc. was instructed to install rubber trim on the sharp edges of a resin mixer. While performing the work, the mixer remained in operation and its unguarded moving parts continued to rotate. A worker’s hand was caught in the rotating chain and sprocket, resulting in crushed and amputated fingers. Despite being legally required to do so, the employer did not notify WSH of the incident. In September 2018, the employer pleaded guilty to the charge of failing to ensure adequate safeguards for machines and for failing to notify WSH immediately about the serious incident. The employer was ordered to pay $54,252 in fines and surcharges.
On September 15, 2015, an AP Infrastructure Solutions GP Inc. (formerly Armtec GP Inc.) worker was using a Stamco roller to roll a metal pipe coupler. While placing the metal pipe, the worker’s hand became pinched between the rollers resulting in amputation of all five digits. In October 2018, the employer pleaded guilty to failing to ensure adequate safeguards for its machines. The employer was ordered to pay $47,500 in fines and penalties and an additional $10,000 was awarded to the WSH Education Fund, the monies from which must be used to educate the public on matters of workplace safety and health.
