Death of Worker Collecting Recycling Results in $225,000 Fine

A worker from an employment agency was assigned to operate a side-loading waste collection truck to pick up recycling. He operated the truck from the right side while standing up. As he entered a curve in the road, he lost control of the truck. While trying to correct the loss of control, he was ejected from the truck and sustained head injuries upon striking the pavement. He later died from his injuries. The recycling company pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that a worker operating a waste material collection vehicle from the cab’s right side and stand-up driving position didn’t exceed a speed of 32 km/hr and was protected by closing and latching the passenger side door or its safety restraint device. The court fined it $225,000 [Halton Recycling Ltd., Govt. News Release, March 13, 2015].