Ontario Officials Fine Brampton Following Worker Injury

The Corporation of the City of Brampton has been fined $75,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a young worker was injured.

 

 

On Feb. 20, 2009, City workers were preparing the tube hill for use by the public. Every day, prior to opening the hill to patrons, workers tested the speed of the hill. To test the speed of the escape lane, a young worker placed himself in a tube and slid down the lane.(WCxKit)

 

 

The tube slid in the wrong direction and went over the berm, colliding with the tow line lifting device. The worker suffered broken bones, a punctured lung, spinal fracture and a concussion.

 

 

A Ministry of Labor investigation discovered that City did not take the reasonable precaution of ensuring that the berm was adequate for the protection of the worker.

 

 

The Corporation of the City of Brampton pled guilty for not taking every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker.

 

 

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Michael Barnes. (WCxKit)

 

 

In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-percent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.