$8,400 Fine Imposed after Worker Is Injured by Exploding Tire

A worker for a tire ship was repairing a multi-piece rim and tire from an industrial rock bolting machine. After making the repairs, he reassembled and began inflating the tire with a compressor. During inflation, he tapped the rim’s locking ring with a hammer to move it into the right position, causing the tire’s tube to rupture and the wheel assembly to explode, injuring his hand and face. The shop pleaded guilty to failing to ensure a safety cage or other restraining device was used and other precautionary measures taken to protect employees from an exploding tire. The court fined it $8,400 [Sussex Tire Ltd., Govt. News Release, Feb. 17, 2016].