Worker was crushed by equipment while working at a mining site
Nearly a decade after the death of a worker who was crushed by a piece of equipment at an Ontario mining site, the provincial government has scheduled an inquest into the incident.
The inquest into the death of Joseph Horn is set to begin on May 28, 2025.
The incident occurred on Dec. 8, 2017. Horn, 57, had been using a Pioneer crusher to break down pieces of aggregate while another worker operated a loader at the company’s pit in Cambridge, Ont.
The crusher received aggregate from the loader via a large steel frame known as a grizzly deck. At times, aggregate material must be removed manually from the grizzly deck to prevent the machine from jamming.
As the loader approached the grizzly deck, the worker operating the loader saw that it was not closed, preventing access by the loader.
Upon investigating the delay, the loader operator found Horn's body under the grizzly deck.
Horn’s employer, Waynco, was fined $110,000, plus a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge, in connection with his death.
A Ministry of Labour investigation determined that the crusher had an unguarded pinch point. The investigation also found that the lowering lever for the grizzly deck was not functioning properly and would stick in the lowered position. A prop bar—used to hold the grizzly deck up during cleaning operations—was not in place and the machine had not been de-energized.
Jury may make recommendations
An inquest into his death is mandatory under the Coroners Act.
“The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Horn’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths,” said the Ontrio government.
The inquest—which will be conducted by video conference—is expected to last six days and hear from approximately five witnesses, said the government.
Members of the public who wish to view the proceedings can do so live right here.
