Essar Steel Algoma Inc. was fined $325,000 for separate incidents involving violations of the Occupational Health & Safety Act (the Act) and the Industrial Regulations. One of the incidents, which occurred on October 30, 2008, resulted in a worker death.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL), a maintenance crew was performing a pre-start check on a conveyor system used to pile rocks. The workers mistakenly thought the system was empty. Materials weighing more than 125 kilograms fell striking and killing one of the workers. Essar Steel Algoma Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure guards were provided under the conveyor that would protect workers from falling materials as required by Section 34(b) of the Industrial Regulation. They were fined $300,000.

On July 31, 2008, at the same steel mill, maintenance work was being performed on a truck when a battery exploded. Liquid splattered on the worker’s face who then attempted to use a nearby emergency eyewash station only to discover it did not work. The company pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an eyewash fountain and deluge shower in good condition. They were fined $25,000.

Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) inspectors are blitzing industrial workplaces this November and December to identify lockout and guarding hazards involving conveyor systems. According to the MOL, inspectors will take a "zero tolerance" approach to any contraventions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

Want to know more about this case or other recent convictions for violations of occupational health and safety law?

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Want to know about WHSC training designed to help all workplace parties understand their many legally mandated rights and duties. Examples include:

- Conveyor Systems (RECENTLY UPDATED)
- Certification Training
- Health & Safety Awareness (Legislation) Training
- Supervisor Health & Safety Training
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)—Our Right to Know

Want more information about these and other training offered by the WHSC? Call 1-888-869-7950 and ask to speak to a training service representative or call a WHSC near you.