Employer Fined $73,000 after Being Convicted of Three OHS Violations

A worker was using a brake press to form metal into a tobacco bin when his finger was caught in a pinch point. As a result, he lost most of the finger. An MOL investigation found that the brake press wasn’t maintained in good condition’two of three methods of operation didn’t work. In addition, the pinch point wasn’t guarded as required. And the workplace didn’t have a JHSC despite having 22 employees. The employer was convicted of three OHS violations at trial. The court fined it $73,000. A charge against a supervisor is still pending [Erie Greenhouse Structures Inc., Govt. News Release, Aug. 1, 2014].