Employer Fined $58,000 Due to Failure of Swivel Hook Assembly on Crane

At a construction project, a concrete form was hooked to a crane using chains and a swivel hook assembly. While the form was being positioned, the swivel hook assembly came apart, causing the form to fall about 20 inches. It landed on and injured a worker’s foot. An MOL investigation found that the swivel hook assembly was missing a pin that would have secured the lock nut holding the assembly in place. The employer pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that all vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment were maintained in a condition that didn’t endanger a worker and was fined $58,000 [Paramount Structures Ltd., Govt. News Release, April 21, 2015].