The Region of Queens Municipality was sentenced Wednesday for three violations under the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act. Photo by File photoArticle contentThe Region of Queens Municipality has been ordered to make several presentations and undertake a pay for a safety audit as part of its punishment for violations under the province’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, including two that preceded an employee having his hands crushed in a machine.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentOn July 28, 2023, the employee, Timothy Jones, was working with a baler machine at the municipality’s waste management and recycling facility when his hands were crushed by the downstroke action of the baler, which compacted recyclables.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe baler machine typically had a safety gate that had to be closed in order for it to operate, but the interlock system that should have prevented it from doing so was not working.Article contentHe required immediate medical attention and follow-up plastic surgery. He still suffers from tingling, numbness and discomfort in his hands at times and has flashbacks triggered by the sound of the baler.Article contentAn inspection company looked at the baler after the accident and determined that several limiting switches were missing, which was an automatic fail, as was the non-operating gate.Article contentThe company said the missing switches crested an automatic fail and made it impossible to repair the equipment.Article contentThe investigation by the labour department also found that Jones did not receive any official training and was not provided with procedures or safe work practices for the balers, and the municipality didn’t have any training records for employees.Article contentArticle contentDuring the investigation, employees raised concerns about a conveyor sorting machine, which, when investigated resulted in the discovery of multiple deficiencies, including missing lag bolts, damaged supports, exposed wires and loose guardrails and malfunctioning emergency stop buttons.Article contentThe conveyor was inspected in April and the report had been forwarded to management that month, but the municipality didn’t take steps to follow up on the report.Article content“The municipality demonstrated general disregard for the safety of its employees,” Crown attorney Paul Niefer said, reading from an agreed statement of facts Wednesday in Bridgewater provincial court. “There was a lack of supervision and understanding of occupational health and safety at all levels.”Article contentHe also said there were no procedures or schedules for regular inspection of equipment.
Queens municipality sentenced after worker’s hands crushed by machine
