Manufacturer fined $60,000 after worker injured by unshielded saw blade

General Coach Canada has been fined $60,000 after a worker was critically injured by an unshielded saw blade.

The company, which is based in Hensall, Ont., and manufactures and assembles park model and house trailers, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the saw was equipped with its shield and a riving knife as required by section 24 of Ontario Regulation 851/90. As such, the company breached its duties as an employer under section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

What happened

On April 20, 2023, a worker was cutting a piece of melamine using a table saw. The protective shield that goes over the saw blade, preventing inadvertent contact with the blade, was missing when the worker was critically injured.

Following the incident, and an investigation by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, General Coach Canada installed the protective shield on the saw, as well as a riving knife.

In addition to the $60,000 fine, the court imposed a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offenses Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.