Employer Fined $75,000 for Failing to Notify MOL of Workers’ Illnesses

While three workers were dismantling shielding canopies and other equipment at a nuclear generating station, they discovered the presence of lead shots. They were wearing face shields appropriate for torch-cutting activities. But because the supervisor wasn’t aware of the lead shots, they weren’t wearing the appropriate respiratory protection. So the workers may have been exposed to lead-containing particles. Two of the workers filed workers’ comp claims for an occupational illness related to their possible lead exposure. Their employer was advised of the claims but didn’t, within the required four days, notify the MOL as required by the OHS Act. It pleaded guilty to failing to follow notification procedures and was fined $75,000 [Ontario Power Generation, Govt. News Release, Jan. 27, 2014].