Innovative Metal Works, a Woodbridge-based company known for manufacturing and installing structural steel, has faced a significant setback following a workplace safety violation. On September 20, 2024, the company was fined $68,000 after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a critical injury sustained by a worker on February 27, 2023. The conviction was announced by Justice of the Peace Raimondo Maltese during proceedings at the Provincial Offences Court in Newmarket.
The incident occurred at a hotel construction site located at 180 Main St. S. in Newmarket, where Innovative Metal Works was contracted to erect steel for a new three-storey addition. A report from Vaughan Citizen detailed the circumstances of the accident, which involved a nylon hoisting strap that broke while securing a lateral assembly beam to a crane. This failure caused the beam to swing and fall, resulting in critical injuries to a worker who was on the ground.
At the time of the accident, three workers from Innovative Metal Works were present at the site. One worker was responsible for rigging loads from the ground, while the other two were positioned on the third level in scissor lifts, assisting with the installation and connection of the beams. The ground-level worker had connected the nylon hoisting strap to the center of the lateral assembly beam using a choke hitch. Unfortunately, the strap snapped while the crane was lifting the beam, leading to the worker’s severe injury.
An investigation conducted by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development uncovered that the hoisting strap had been compromised after coming into contact with a sharp capping plate on the assembly. This investigation further revealed that Innovative Metal Works had not provided adequate edge protection, a crucial safety measure for maintaining the integrity of equipment like hoisting straps when used near sharp edges.
The Ministry of Labour determined that the company had violated the Regulation for Construction Projects under section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act by failing to implement necessary safety measures to protect the hoisting strap. This oversight not only jeopardized the safety of workers on-site but also resulted in significant legal and financial repercussions for the company.
In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25% victim fine surcharge, as mandated by the Provincial Offences Act. This surcharge will contribute to a provincial government fund aimed at assisting victims of crime. The combination of the fine and surcharge underscores the legal and ethical responsibilities that companies must uphold to ensure the safety of their employees.
