Town Of Pelham Fined $60,000 After Summer Student Injured

SE
Stikeman Elliott LLP

Contributor

Stikeman Elliott LLP logo
Stikeman Elliott is a global leader in Canadian business law and the first call for businesses working in and with Canada. We provide clients with the highest quality counsel, strategic advice, and creative solutions. Stikeman Elliott consistently ranks as a top law firm in our primary practice areas. www.stikeman.com
The Corporation of the Town of Pelham was recently fined $60,000 after it failed to "provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health or safety of the worker" as required by section 25(2)(a) of Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act in relation to a 2011 incident involving a summer student worker.
Canada Employment and HR

The Corporation of the Town of Pelham was recently fined $60,000 after it failed to "provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health or safety of the worker" as required by section 25(2)(a) of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act in relation to a 2011 incident involving a summer student worker.

For a full summary of this case, click here.

On August 25, 2011, a crew of summer students working for the Town of Pelham were repairing catch basins, the parts of storm drains which collect debris.  A student was injured after a 150 pound basin lid propped up by a pickaxe held by another student fell and crushed the student's hand.  The students had not been shown how to conduct such repairs and had no supervisor.  Instead, the students received instructions from a manager and were told to go out and perform the repairs alone.

In addition to the imposed fine, a 25% victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act was also imposed. The decision is noteworthy given the Ministry of Labour's present blitz relating to new and young workers and the summer hiring season.  It is a reminder that employers need to be particularly safety conscious with new and young workers who are not as experienced in the work world or in tune with all the safety aspects of their tasks.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Mondaq uses cookies on this website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies as set out in our Privacy Policy.

Learn More