August 6, 2010

Arcelormittal Dofasco fined $100,000 after worker injured

Arcelormittal Dofasco Inc. was fined $100,000 on July 28 for occupational health and safety violations after a worker was injured.

On January 13, 2009, a worker employed by the Hamilton-based company was helping other workers to change a crane hook block. The crane was located 23 metres above the floor, and the worker was wearing a fall arrest harness and lanyard.

The worker was watching the crane’s wire rope as it passed through the old block to be spooled on a drum. The worker’s lanyard was caught by the crane’s motor drive shaft, pulling the worker into the motor and causing serious injuries, the Ontario Ministry of Labour said.

A ministry investigation found that the crane’s motor drive shaft was not protected by a guard to prevent a worker from having access to the rotating shaft.

Arcelormittal Dofasco pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that a machine that has moving parts that may endanger a worker is equipped with a guard or other device which prevents access to the moving parts.

-RCD Digital Media

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