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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.
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.
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guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
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