A plastic bottle blow molder in Toronto suburb Vaughan, Ontario, was fined C$100,000 (US$76,000) for an industrial accident that left a woman worker dead.
CRS Plastics Ltd. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that a machine with a moving part had a guard to prevent access that could endanger a worker. In the March 29, 2014, accident a temporary worker was removing plastic bottles from the end of a blow molder when she came into contact with a moving part, according to a news release by the Ontario Ministry of Labour. The guard was broken and missing while it underwent repairs. Company staff called police about 5 a.m. to report the injuries that led to the woman's death.
Justice of the Peace Marie-Christine Smythe imposed the fine in Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket, Ontario, on Aug. 17. She also levied a 25 percent victim fine surcharge as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special Ontario government fund to assist victims of crime.
The private company specializes in high density polyethylene handleware bottles in sizes from 2 to 16 liters. Its key markets are agricultural, chemical, food, detergent, automotive and pet supplies. The company was established in 1984.