A Tecumseh, Ont., manufacturing company has been fined $60,000 after a worker was critically injured when a forklift with defective brakes collided with metal storage racks, creating a dangerous pinch point.
Precision Stamping pleaded guilty in Windsor Provincial Offences Court to failing to maintain equipment in good condition under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Justice of the Peace David John Auger imposed the fine on March 31, along with a mandatory 25 per cent victim fine surcharge.
The incident occurred on Nov. 28, 2022, at the company’s facility on Concession Road 8 in Tecumseh. A quality technician was inspecting stamped metal parts stored between two metal racks when a forklift struck the racks, trapping the worker.
Brake failure led to collision
The forklift operator had reported problems with the vehicle’s brakes before the accident. During the incident, the brakes failed completely, causing the collision that injured the worker.
The company, which operates an industrial stamp press factory at 3005 Deziel Drive in Windsor, was found to have violated section 25(1)(b) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act by failing to ensure equipment was properly maintained.
Crown Counsel Katie Krafchick prosecuted the case. The victim fine surcharge will go to a provincial fund that assists crime victims.
The case highlights ongoing workplace safety concerns in Ontario’s manufacturing sector, where equipment maintenance failures can lead to serious injuries. Employers are required under provincial law to ensure all workplace equipment is kept in safe operating condition.
