A Hamilton-based railcar manufacturing company, National Steel Car Limited, has been fined $90,000 after a worker suffered a critical workplace injury in 2022. The incident, which occurred on a production line, highlighted serious lapses in safety procedures and machinery guarding—key requirements under Ontario’s workplace safety laws.
This case serves as a strong reminder for employers across Ontario to enforce proper safety controls and ensure all workers are protected from hazardous machine components.
1. Overview of the Incident
National Steel Car Limited faced legal consequences after a worker was seriously injured while repositioning metal components inside a production area. The injury occurred on October 6, 2022, and resulted from unsafe access to hazardous machinery.
2. What Happened on the Production Line
The incident occurred at the Bulkheads First Position, where teams typically weld C-shaped metal parts onto flat steel sheets to create railcar bulkheads. Hydraulic clamps are used to hold these metal pieces firmly in place.
3. How the Injury Occurred
During routine repositioning, the worker assisted another employee in adjusting a metal component. Without warning, a hydraulic clamp was activated and retracted beneath the machine frame — creating a sudden and dangerous pinch point.
This resulted in a serious, critical injury. It was honestly a preventable situation.
4. Ministry Investigation Findings
An investigation by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development revealed several safety failures:
- No guarding installed around the pinch point
- No control system preventing accidental clamp activation
- No safety procedures restricting access to hazardous areas
5. Violations Under Ontario Safety Legislation
The lack of guarding and control measures was determined to be a violation of section 25 of Ontario Regulation 851/90, under the Regulation for Industrial Establishments.
This violates section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which requires employers to ensure machinery is equipped with proper protective devices.
6. Court Ruling and Fine
Following a guilty plea on October 9, 2025, National Steel Car Limited was fined $90,000.
Justice of the Peace Fabiano Franca de Machado Mendes presided over the case at the Provincial Offences Court in Hamilton.
7. Importance of Machine Guarding in Industrial Workplaces
Machine guarding is essential in preventing injuries such as:
- Crush injuries
- Pinch point incidents
- Limbs caught in moving machinery
- Accidental activations
Proper guarding is not only a legal requirement but one of the most basic protective measures in manufacturing settings.
8. Safety Lessons for Employers
Employers should:
- Install guarding around all hazardous machine parts
- Implement lockout/tagout systems
- Train workers on machine safety
- Conduct regular hazard assessments
- Ensure emergency stop controls are accessible
9. Conclusion
The $90,000 fine against National Steel Car Limited underscores the importance of strict safety compliance in industrial settings. Proper guarding, controls, and worker training are critical for preventing similar accidents and maintaining a safe work environment across Ontario’s manufacturing sector.