Company Fined $50,000 After Worker Critically Injured by Unguarded Machine
On July 21, 2023, a worker was critically injured at a facility in Etobicoke, Ontario while working on a punch press machine. The worker, employed through a temporary help agency, was changing dies and cleaning debris near the punch press blades. To do so, they reached through an unguarded opening in the machine. At the same time, another worker, unaware of their presence, activated the machine. This resulted in a critical injury caused by the moving parts of the punch press.
A recent conviction in Ontario highlights the serious risks associated with unguarded machinery and the importance of proper safeguarding in industrial workplaces.
Regulatory Context
Under Ontario Regulation 851, employers must ensure that machines are equipped with guards or devices to prevent worker access to moving parts that could cause injury.
This includes:
- Installing proper machine guarding at all pinch points and shear points
- Preventing access to hazardous areas during operation
- Implementing lockout procedures during maintenance and cleaning
- Ensuring all workers, including temporary workers, are properly trained
The Charges Contributing Factors
- Offence: Failure to ensure the punch press was equipped with a guard or device to prevent access to a hazardous moving part
- Conviction Date: February 27, 2026
- Penalty: $50,000 fine
- Additional: 25 percent victim fine surcharge applied under the Provincial Offences Act
- Unguarded access to a hazardous moving part
- Worker exposed to a shearing hazard during maintenance activity
- Lack of controls to prevent unexpected machine activation
- Inadequate protection for a vulnerable worker performing a non-routine task
Lessons for Employers and Contractors
This incident reinforces the importance of machine guarding and controlling hazardous energy.
Key takeaways:
- Never allow equipment to operate without proper guarding in place
- Implement and enforce lockout and tagout procedures
- Ensure clear communication between workers during maintenance tasks
- Provide additional supervision and training for temporary or new workers
- Regularly inspect machinery to confirm safeguards are in place and effective
Final Thoughts
Machine-related incidents can happen in seconds but have life-changing consequences. Proper guarding, lockout procedures, and worker awareness are critical to preventing these types of injuries.
If your organization needs support with machine guarding assessments, lockout programs, or workplace safety audits, DS Safety can help build practical solutions that protect your workers.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
