The unnamed worker was injured in January 2004 when a 3.6t steel jig slipped out of its clamps. Part of the worker’s foot was amputated.
The 2.4m by 3.6m jig (8ft by 12ft) was being lifted from the short edges by a two-leg chain sling suspended from an overhead crane when the accident occurred.
The jig was not properly balanced on the clamps, according to crown counsel Brian Fukuzawa, who prosecuted the case in the Barrie provincial court. When a second worker tried to twist the jig to set it into place, it swung out of control.
A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the jig was being moved without proper precautions or safeguards. Modern Fabrication pleaded guilty.
The court negotiated a $55,000 Canadian fine, plus a $13,750 surcharge to help fund a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime, according to Fukuzawa.
Fukuzawa said that although the settlement did not include any funds for the victim, he or she could apply for benefits under the Canadian Workplace Safety & Insurance Board.
Since the accident, Modern Fabrication has provided training for the entire workforce, brought in new lifting clamps, and devised a special area for handling large jigs, Fukuzawa said.
