A Toronto rubber products manufacturer has been fined $55,000 after a worker was critically injured while attempting to clear a blockage from a machine without proper safety procedures.
The incident occurred on Jan. 20, 2023, when a worker operating a SBR granulator machine at National Rubber Technologies discovered a blockage. Working alone, the employee climbed a ladder and attempted to clear the clog using a knife without first shutting down the machine, contrary to their training.
Ministry investigators determined the machine lacked an accessible off switch in the mixing room where the worker was located, requiring employees to exit the area to reach the control panel.
The charge specifically cited the company’s failure to comply with section 75 of Ontario Regulation 851/90, which requires potentially dangerous equipment to be properly stopped and locked out before maintenance work.
National Rubber Technologies Corporation pleaded guilty in Provincial Offences Court to violating Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act by failing to ensure proper lockout procedures were followed.
Justice of the Peace Anthony Charles imposed the fine along with a mandatory 25 per cent victim surcharge following the February 3 conviction.
National Rubber Technologies, formerly located at 35 Cawthra Avenue, ceased all operations on Dec. 31, 2024, resulting in permanent layoffs for all employees.
