John Zubick Limited fined $50,000 for health and safety violation LONDON, ON, (Canada) May 26 /CNW/ - John Zubick Limited, a metal recycling company in London, was fined $50,000 today for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act that resulted in serious burns to a worker.
On February 25, 2004, a welder was using an oxygen/propane cutting torch to cut scrap metal when the worker's coveralls ignited. The welder suffered second and third-degree burns to the legs, thighs and groin area. A Ministry of Labour investigation found the welder was not protected by appropriate apparel in the circumstances. The welder had been wearing 100-per-cent cotton coveralls with 100-per-cent cotton bib pants underneath. The incident occurred outdoors on property at the company's recycling plant at 105 Clarke Road in London. The welder was a contracted worker from a temporary employment agency.
John Zubick Limited pleaded guilty, as an employer, to failing to provide flame-resistant clothing to the welder, as required by Section 84(e) of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments. This was contrary to Section 25(1)(a) of the act.
The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Robert Gay of the Ontario Court of Justice in London. In addition, 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.
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Court Information at a Glance
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Location: Ontario Court of Justice
824 Dundas Street, Courtroom 102
London, Ontario
Judge: Justice of the Peace Robert Gay
Date/Time: May 26, 2005, 9 a.m.
Defendant: John Zubick Limited
Matter: Occupational Health & Safety
(submitted by Tony Moscioni)
