More than $62,000 in fines were recently paid out as two Manitoba employers were prosecuted for violations of The Workplace Safety and Health Act and its associated regulations.
On Aug. 22, 2016, a Minitonas-based Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd. worker was assisting in the coupling and uncoupling of rail cars. The task was not a part of the worker’s regular duties. When the rail cars came to a stop, the worker stood on the coupler assembly. The coupler assembly continued to retract, pinching the worker’s feet and resulting in serious injuries. Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd. pleaded guilty to failing to provide information, instruction and training to the worker before the worker was moved to another area of the workplace that had different facilities, procedures or hazards. Louisiana-Pacific Canada Ltd. was ordered to pay $42,500 in fines and penalties and an additional $3,500 payable to the Workplace Safety and Health Public Education Fund. By law, money placed into this fund must be used for educating the public on matters relating to occupational safety and health.
On Feb. 9, 2017, a worker from Power and Mine Supply Company Limited was manufacturing a wooden crate and was using a mitre saw. The guard was not installed on the saw and the worker’s hand came into contact with the rotating blade, resulting in serious injuries. Power and Mine Supply Company Limited pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that a machine had safeguards sufficient to prevent a worker from coming into contact with points on the machine where material is cut. Power and Mine Supply Company Limited was ordered to pay $20,000 in fines and penalties and an additional $5,000 payable to the Workplace Safety and Health Public Education Fund.
Manitoba Finance is reminding employers to ensure workers are adequately trained to perform their duties and to have adequate safeguards in place for machines.
