Injuries to Three Workers Costs Wrecking Yard $60,000

At an automobile wrecking yard, a worker was removing a gas tank from a car. The tank hadn’t been emptied. So gas spilled out of the tank and was ignited by a nearby inspection lamp, starting a fire. Because the emergency exit was blocked, workers had to run to the other end of the building to escape. Three workers suffered burns and smoke inhalation. The court fined the employer $55,000 for failing to provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker for the safe removal of a gas tank and $5,000 for failing to ensure that emergency exits were free from obstructions [Woodstock Auto Recyclers Ltd., Govt. News Release, April 26, 2012].