The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development continues to enforce workplace safety regulations, with recent enforcement actions highlighting the severe consequences of non-compliance.

A recent case in Windsor underscores the importance of adhering to lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.

Incident Overview

On March 28, 2022, a maintenance worker at Saturn Tool & Die (Windsor) Inc. was fatally injured while troubleshooting a stamping press. The worker entered the press area without properly locking out the equipment. Another employee, unaware of their presence, restarted the machine, leading to a fatal injury.

Following an investigation, the Ministry of Labour found that it was common practice at the facility to skip key LOTO procedures—particularly during short-duration maintenance tasks.

This regulatory failure resulted in a $180,000 fine imposed on the company for violating Ontario workplace safety laws.

Regulatory & Compliance Lessons

This enforcement action underscores the critical need for compliance with LOTO procedures. Heavy machinery poses inherent risks, and failure to properly shut down and secure equipment before maintenance can result in severe injury or death.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) mandates that employers ensure equipment is de-energized and locked out before maintenance work is performed. Bypassing these protocols, whether due to habit, time constraints, or inadequate training, places workers at serious risk.
Workplace Safety & Training

The investigation found that unsafe LOTO practices had become normalized at the facility, emphasizing the role of workplace culture in safety compliance.

Organizations must prioritize safety by ensuring:

• Strict adherence to LOTO procedures at all times.
• Enforcement of compliance policies through regular inspections.
• Ongoing LOTO training and refresher courses to prevent lapses in safety.

Key Takeaways for Employers & Workers

• LOTO procedures must be followed for all maintenance tasks, regardless of duration.
• Supervisors and safety officers must ensure strict compliance with safety protocols.
• Employers are responsible for fostering a culture where safety takes precedence over convenience.
• Proper LOTO training and enforcement reduce the risk of preventable workplace injuries.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation

This case serves as a reminder that failing to comply with safety regulations carries both financial and human costs. Ontario employers must take proactive steps to reinforce compliance and minimize risks.

Ensuring workers are properly trained in Lockout/Tagout procedures is essential for maintaining regulatory compliance and workplace safety. A well-trained workforce is the best defense against preventable injuries and costly enforcement actions.