Ontario Construction New staff writer
AMI Attachments Inc., a heavy construction equipment manufacturer, has been fined $65,000 following a serious workplace injury involving a young worker at its Hawksville facility.
The incident occurred on February 15, 2024, when the worker was assigned to move steel materials from a receiving area to storage blocks. To handle the heavy steel components, employees typically use an overhead bridge crane equipped with chains, straps, or magnetic lifting devices. The choice of equipment is left to the worker’s judgment based on their own experience and knowledge.
In this case, the worker opted to use a magnetic lifting device, connected to a chain suspended from the crane. While attempting to move a 682-pound, half-inch thick square steel tube, the load became detached from the magnetic device and dropped approximately two feet, causing serious injuries to the worker standing nearby.
An investigation by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development revealed that the worker had not received adequate training to operate the crane and magnetic lift. Additionally, they were not supervised or guided by a competent person during the task.
AMI Attachments Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to follow safety procedures as outlined in section 51(2) of Ontario Regulation 851/90. This violation falls under sections 25(1)(c) and 66(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The court also imposed a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge, which contributes to a provincial fund that supports victims of crime.
