Construction Company Fined $170,000 after Worker’s Head Is Fatally Crushed

A worker was using a battery-powered locomotive to move debris in a tunnel to the exit for removal. When the locomotive stopped, a supervisor decided to disconnect the cars from it so it could reach the exit and get a fresh battery. The worker’s head was raised between the locomotive battery and part of a steel gantry when the locomotive moved forward, crushing his head. He suffered fatal injuries. An MOL investigation found that the gantry wasn’t safe for use with that locomotive. The company pleaded guilty to a safety offence and was fined $170,000 [McNally Construction Inc., Govt. News Release, Aug. 21, 2013].