A Waterloo-based company has been fined $65,000 following a workplace incident in 2023 that left a worker injured.
According to a court bulletin, Valley Blades Limited received the penalty from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development after an employee’s hand was caught while operating a multi drill.
The incident occurred on October 5, 2023. The worker was using the machine when they attempted to clear a buildup of swarf (metal shavings) from the machine table while it was still in operation. During the process, the worker’s rubber glove and loose sleeve became entangled in the swarf and were pulled toward the rotating drill.
Valley Blades Limited pleaded guilty and was convicted in a Kitchener courtroom on January 24, 2025.
The Ministry stated that the company failed to ensure workers did not wear jewelry, loose or dangling clothing near rotating machinery—violating section 83(2) of Ontario Regulation 851/90 and section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
In addition to the fine, the company must also pay a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge, which goes toward a special fund that supports victims of crime.
