A serious workplace incident at National Steel Car Limited has once again highlighted the importance of machine safeguarding and proper safety controls in industrial settings. After a worker was critically injured at the company’s Hamilton facility, the manufacturer now faces a $90,000 fine—along with renewed scrutiny on compliance with Ontario’s safety regulations. This article breaks down what happened, why it matters, and what employers can learn to prevent similar tragedies.
1. Overview of the Incident
National Steel Car Limited, a major Ontario railcar manufacturer, has been fined following a critical workplace injury that occurred on October 6, 2022. The incident took place in the company’s Bulkheads First Position production area, where workers fabricate railcar components.
2. What Led to the Worker’s Injury
During a routine task to reposition a metal component, a hydraulic clamp unexpectedly retracted. Because the clamp sat beneath the machine frame, it created an unguarded pinch point. With no barrier or safety procedure in place, the worker was seriously hurt when the clamp activated.
3. Court Decision and Penalties
Following a guilty plea in Provincial Offences Court (Hamilton), National Steel Car received:
- $90,000 fine
- 25% victim fine surcharge, as required under the Provincial Offences Act
The surcharge goes toward a provincial fund supporting victims of crime.
4. Violations Under Ontario Safety Law
An investigation by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development concluded that the employer failed to ensure worker protection from hazardous machine parts. Specifically, there was:
- No guard over the pinch point
- No safety control or lockout procedure
- A clear violation of Ontario Regulation 851/90, section 25
This also contravened Section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires employers to maintain all equipment in safe condition.
For more regulatory guidance, see Ontario’s official resources available through the Ontario Government website.
5. About National Steel Car
At the time of the offence, National Steel Car employed roughly 1,750 workers. The Hamilton-based company specializes in building freight and tank railcars for the North American market.
6. Why Machine Safeguarding Still Fails
Despite strict regulations, many workplaces continue to struggle with machine hazards due to:
- Outdated equipment
- Production pressure
- Inconsistent training
- Lack of supervision
- Poor hazard identification
Sometimes safety controls exist but aren’t used properly—this happens more often than people thinkk.
7. CCOHS: Recommended Machine Safety Process
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) outlines a structured approach for evaluating machine safety. Employers should follow these steps:
Machine Safety Assessment Checklist
| Step | Safety Focus | Key Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand machine design | How does it function? |
| 2 | Safe operation | What is the correct usage? |
| 3 | Identify tasks | What hazards arise from each task? |
| 4 | Identify users | Who uses the machine and how often? |
| 5 | Materials used | What materials interact with the equipment? |
| 6 | Risk estimation | How severe & how likely is harm? |
| 7 | Eliminate hazards | Can we remove the risk entirely? |
| 8 | Apply controls | What safeguards or admin controls are needed? |
| 9 | Re-assess | Has risk been effectively reduced? |
| 10 | Repeat | Continue improving if risks remain. |
Following this process helps employers systematically evaluate risks and avoid preventable injuries.
8. Common Pinch Point Hazards in Industrial Settings
Typical pinch point locations include:
- Mechanical press stations
- Conveyor belt areas
- Hydraulic clamps
- Rotating shafts
- Material loading systems
Pinch points frequently cause fractures, amputations, and long-term mobility issues—making safeguarding essential.
9. Preventive Measures Employers Should Implement
To reduce machine-related injuries, employers should:
- Install physical guards and interlocks
- Develop clear lockout/tagout procedures
- Offer regular worker training
- Conduct hazard assessments annually
- Supervise new or young workers closely
- Maintain machinery according to manufacturer specs
- Audit equipment for compliance with Ontario Regulation 851
These steps form part of a strong industrial safety program—something that benefits both workers and organizational productivity.
10. Final Thoughts on Strengthening Workplace Safety
This preventable injury reinforces a simple truth: machine safety failures carry serious human and financial consequences. Employers must prioritize engineering controls, proper training, and constant oversight to protect their workforce. Safe workplaces don’t happen by accident—they happen by design.