Magna Exteriors & Interiors Corporation fined $80,000 after worker suffers burns

BRAMPTON: Magna Exteriors & Interiors Corporation, a manufacturer of various plastic automotive parts using plastic injection molding machines, has been found guilty and fined $80,000 after a worker suffered burns on the job.

On June 25, 2012, a worker at the company’s plant at 26 Kenview Boulevard in Brampton was assigned the task of troubleshooting and repairing an injection molding machine that was failing to inject plastic into the mold when cycled. The worker, after confirming that melted plastic was backing up in the machine, adjusted the temperature to cool the nozzle head of the machine, then was called away several times for repairs to other machines.

The worker returned to the machine and started to remove its head bolts, but decided to crack them loose instead. After being called away again, the worker returned to the machine and took out all but the last bolt, using a hammer to tap on the nozzle to loosen it. Without warning, molten plastic was expelled from the machine, hitting the worker mainly in the torso. The worker suffered serious burns as a result.

At the time of the incident, the worker was not wearing a face shield as required by Ontario Regulation 851, which governs industrial establishments. The regulation states that a worker exposed to the hazard of injury from contact of the worker’s skin with a hot object, hot liquid or molten metal shall be protected by wearing apparel sufficient to protect the worker from injury or a shield, screen or similar barrier appropriate in the circumstances.

The company was convicted of failing as an employer to ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed by law were carried out in the workplace, and was fined $80,000 by Justice of the Peace Eileen Walker on May 28, 2015 in Brampton court.

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