April 26, 2019
Employer Prosecuted for Workplace Incident
Manitoba Growth, Enterprise and Trade is reminding employers to ensure serious incidents are reported and that adequate safeguards are in place for machines after an employer was prosecuted for violations of The Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations. As a result of the prosecution, a penalty totalling more than $43,000 was ordered by the courts.
On Oct. 25, 2016, an Advance Paper Box Ltd. worker was operating a machine that forms, glues and shapes paper material into trays or boxes. While attempting to clear a jam, the worker reached into the machine and suffered serious finger injuries. Winnipeg-based Advance Paper Box Ltd. did not notify the workplace safety and health (WSH) branch of the incident until the following day. In March 2019, Advance Paper Box Ltd. pleaded guilty to failing to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety, health and welfare of its employee, and failing to notify the WSH branch of a serious incident involving its employee as quickly as possible. The employer was ordered to pay $43,750 in fines and penalties.
More information on workplace safety and health and The Workplace Safety and Health Act is available at www.gov.mb.ca/labour/safety/index.html.
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