Accuristix fined $125,000 after worker killed

Truck ran over worker when leaving loading dock

Accuristix has been fined $125,000, plus a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, for the death of a worker who was struck by a struck at a loading dock.

 

On Jan. 29, 2018, a truck was parked at the loading dock of the Accuristix warehouse facility in Vaughan, Ont. Next to the loading docks was a shipping door. A worker exited the warehouse facility using the shipping door.

 

At the same time, the truck that had been parked at the loading dock began to drive away. The truck struck the worker, causing fatal injuries.

 

A Ministry of Labour investigation determined that there were no barriers, warning signs or other safeguards in place to protect workers from the dangers of vehicle traffic at the time the incident occurred.

 

Section 20 of Ontario Regulation 851 (the Industrial Establishments Regulation) states that barriers, warning signs or other safeguards for the protection of all workers in an area shall be used where vehicle or pedestrian traffic may endanger the safety of any worker.

 

Accuristix failed as an employer to ensure that barriers, warning signs or other safeguards were used where vehicle traffic endangered the safety of a worker. This contravened section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act as prescribed by section 20 of Regulation 851.

 

Source: Ontario Ministry of Labour