Fatal Workplace Accident at Janco Steel Ltd. Leads to Major Fine
A tragic workplace accident at a steel processing facility in Stoney Creek has resulted in a $200,000 fine for Janco Steel Ltd., following the death of a worker who was fatally struck by an industrial forklift. The conviction was handed down on April 2, 2025, in Hamilton Provincial Offences Court.
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Incident Details: Worker Killed by Forklift During Routine Task
The Day of the Accident
The fatal incident occurred on April 26, 2022, inside Janco Steel Ltd.’s facility at 925 Arvin Avenue in Stoney Creek, Ontario. The worker had been operating an overhead crane, unloading a large steel coil from a transport truck onto a weight scale. During the task, the worker was looking upward at the load and unintentionally walked backward into an interior plant roadway.
At that moment, a large industrial forklift, a Taylor X650L model, was moving through the same area. The forklift operator did not see the worker and had no visibility of the path directly in front of the coil due to its size. Although the forklift was travelling slowly—at an estimated speed of 2 to 3 kilometers per hour—and the driver stopped as soon as another worker shouted a warning, the impact had already occurred, fatally injuring the crane operator.
Ministry Investigation Reveals Critical Safety Oversight
Following the incident, an investigation by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development revealed that the employer had failed to ensure that a signaller directed the forklift’s operation—an essential requirement when the operator does not have a clear view of the vehicle’s path of travel.
This failure was found to be in violation of section 56 of Ontario Regulation 851 (Industrial Establishments), which mandates the use of a signaller under such circumstances. The company was charged under section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act for failing to implement prescribed safety measures and procedures.
Court Ruling and Penalties Imposed
Janco Steel Ltd. pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined $200,000 by Justice of the Peace S. Butany-Goyal. Crown Counsel Steven Succi represented the prosecution. In addition to the fine, a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge was levied, as required under the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is allocated to a provincial fund designated to support victims of crime.
Workplace Safety in Focus
The Ministry of Labour emphasized the importance of employer responsibility in preventing workplace hazards. This case serves as a grim reminder that safety protocols, particularly around heavy equipment with restricted operator visibility, must be strictly followed.
Employers across Ontario are urged to review their safety procedures and ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to prevent future tragedies.