Lorik Tool & Automation Inc. fined $50,000 for injuries to two workers

BRANTFORD — Lorik Tool & Automation Inc., of Brantford, was convicted on Jan. 26 of failing to ensure proper procedures were in place to prevent injury.

On June 19, 2018, two workers were injured when a heavy electrical panel fell over while it was being moved. Following the guilty plea, Lorik Tool & Automation was fined $50,000 plus a 25% victim fine surcharge.

Background:

• A worker was moving a large electrical panel, 8 feet tall, 16 feet long and 18 inches wide, weighing about 4000 lbs.
• The panel was placed on two wheeled dollies. However, the feet in the centre of the panel impeded movement, as the dollies were not tall enough to allow the feet to clear the floor
• The worker jacked up the bottom of the panel to attempt to install wood studs on the dollies to raise the panel higher. While doing so, the panel tipped over and fell on the worker, and struck another worker as well, with both suffering injuries.
• The investigation by the Ministry of Labour determined that there was no procedure for the movement of the panel onto the truck. In addition, the panel was not secured against tipping and falling.