November 2019
A Manitoba employer recently pleaded guilty to:
- Section 16.5(1)(a) of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulations, M.R. 217/2006, to the charge of failing to ensure that their VicRoc Shear press had safeguards on it to prevent workers from coming into contact with moving parts of the machine
- Section 2.7(1) of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulations, M.R. 217/2006, to the charge of failing to notify the Workplace Safety and Health Branch of a serious incident that occurred at a workplace immediately and/or by the fastest means of communication available.
A worker was cutting off a portion of a metal bracket using a VicRoc Hydraulic Shear Press. Prior to cutting the bracket, the worker clamped the bracket with a hydraulic material lock bar. Once locked in place, the worker cut the bracket. The worker released the clamped bracket by raising the hydraulic lock bar. The worker placed his right hand on the top of the lock bar as it raised, resulting in the partial amputation of the worker's index finger.
The employer was fined $37,500.
Understanding employer responsibilities related to safety and health is an important part of preventing injuries. SAFE Work Manitoba offers injury prevention information, including:
We also provide information on
employer responsibilities related to reporting serious incidents.Find more information here on workplace safety and health prosecutions.
