Industry News News
Metro Paper fined $70,000

June 26, 2013, Toronto – Metro Paper Industries Inc., a manufacturer of recycled paper products, has been fined $70,000 after a worker was severely injured by the blades of a machine.

On November 28, 2011, a worker approached a machine at the company's Scarborough location. The machine, which folds and cuts paper into napkins, had a clear plastic guard and the worker placed a hand under the guard to reach inside the machine. These actions were contrary to the training provided by the company and contrary to a sign posted on the machine.

After placing an arm inside the machine, the worker inadvertently moved forward, which resulted in the hand coming into contact with the blades affixed to the machine's outfeed rollers. As a result, fingers were severed.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the employer failed to ensure that a machine was guarded as prescribed by law. Metro Paper Industries Inc. pleaded guilty to failing, as an employer, to comply with the regulation for industrial establishments.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Vladimir Bubrin. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

Court information

Location:
Ontario Court of Justice
70 Centre Street
Courtroom C2
Toronto, Ont.

Judge:
Justice of the Peace Vladimir Bubrin

Date of Sentencing:
June 20, 2013

Defendants:
Metro Paper Industries Inc.
Scarborough, Ont.

Matter:
Occupational Health and Safety

Conviction:
OHSA
Ontario Regulation 851
Industrial Establishments
Section 25

Crown Counsel:
Shantanu Roy

June 26, 2013  By Woodbusiness