A Windsor, Ont.-based aluminum products manufacturer has been fined $55,000 after a worker was injured while operating machinery, the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development announced on Tuesday.
The incident occurred at Can Art Aluminum Extrusion Canada Inc., located at 428 Jutras Dr. South, Windsor, on August 20, 2022. A worker was hurt while using a saw on an aluminum extrusion press. An investigation revealed that the company had failed to implement required safety measures, leading to the injury.
According to the Ministry, the worker was operating a saw to cut aluminum extrusions when some of the conveyor belt rollers on the post-cut side malfunctioned. As the worker pushed the extrusions down the conveyor, they were injured by a gauge head — a mechanical steel plate designed to clamp down on the extrusions at a specific point for cutting.
The Ministry’s investigation found that the saw lacked a guard to prevent access to the pinch point created by the rotating gauge head. This was a violation of section 24 of the Regulation for Industrial Establishments, contravening section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Can Art Aluminum Extrusion Canada Inc. pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice in Windsor. Justice of the Peace Susan Hoffman imposed the fine on June 14, 2024. The company was also subjected to a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge, as mandated by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge contributes to a provincial fund supporting victims of crime.
In the wake of the incident, Can Art Aluminum Extrusion Canada Inc. voluntarily upgraded its health and safety protocols and introduced additional accident prevention measures.