Farmer Injured Helping Hydro Workers Remove Truck from Ditch

A farmer was helping Manitoba Hydro workers remove a truck that was stuck in a ditch. The workers attached a tow strap from the farmer’s tractor to a tow hook that was secured to the truck’s front bumper. While attempting to pull the truck, the tow hook sheared off of the bumper, entered the tractor’s cab and struck the farmer, who sustained serious facial injuries. The employer plead guilty to failing to follow manufacturer’s specifications in ensuring that the tow hooks, mounting bolts and mounting area were inspected by a competent person for defects and unsafe conditions. The court fined it $56,250 [Manitoba Hydro, Govt. News Release, Nov. 20, 2014].