Ontario companies fined $410,000 after worker injured

Unitec and 629728 Ontario Limited, in a partnership carrying on business as Entropex, a Sarnia plastics company, were fined $410,000 total for violations of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.



On Sept. 14, 2010, a worker operated a baling machine that compacted and strapped plastic in a Sarnia, Ont. plant. A second worker walked in front of the machine as compacted plastic was being ejected. The plastic struck the second worker and pinned that worker against a nearby forklift, causing injuries. The worker survived the accident and he eventually recovered.

The Ontario Court of Justice found that the baler was not guarded to prevent worker access, not maintained in good condition, and that maintenance was performed on the baler while it was in motion. The court also found Entropex had failed, as an employer, to provide information, instruction, and supervision to protect workers around the baler.

629728 Ontario Limited and Unitec were convicted on all counts and fined $210,000 and $200,000 respectively. The fines were imposed by Justice of the Peace Jamie Shortt. In addition to the fines, the court imposed a 25-per-cent 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.