Pickering, Ont. logistics firm fined after worker injured in reach truck accident
by Canadian Manufacturing.com Staff
A worker driving a reach truck at an Aspect Retail Logistics warehouse outside Toronto collided with a wall in May of last year
WHITBY, Ont.—An Ontario logistics firm has been fined $75,000 for a worker injury involving a reach truck.
The incident occurred at Aspect Retail Logistics Inc.’s warehouse facility in Pickering, Ont. in May of last year.
According to the Ministry of Labour, a worker was operating a reach truck—a compact forklift designed for warehouse operations—and attempting to make a left turn at the end of an aisle. While making the turn, however, the worker lost control of the truck and struck a wall. There were no witnesses, but the province believes the reach truck may have slipped on water left behind by cleaning equipment. The worker suffered a permanent injury as a result of the collision.
A subsection of the Occupational Health and Safety Act stipulates industrial spaces must be kept clear of obstructions and other hazards, placing the company in violation.
Aspect pleaded guilty in court late last week and agreed to pay the $75,000 fine as well as a 25 per cent victim surcharge regularly applied in workplace accidents.
