News Pits & Quarries
Quarry operator faces $65,000 fine after worker falls from catwalk

Toronto – James Dick Construction Ltd. has been fined $65,000 following an incident in which a worker fell into a quarry when a catwalk, which had not been maintained in a safe condition, gave way at the Ramara quarry.

The Caledon, Ont.-based company, which owns and operates the limestone quarry in the Township of Ramara, which is classified as a mine, was convicted April 7.

On June 3, 2019, a worker was repairing the rubber skirts of a screen in the lower feed hopper when the catwalk the worker was standing on gave way and the worker fell about 15 feet into the quarry below and suffered injuries.

Following the incident, inspection of the catwalk showed the steel in the floor grating, toe board and handrails had deteriorated and had previously been identified as requiring maintenance, indicates a Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development court bulletin.

Quarry operator fined

Section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) states that an employer shall ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed by the act and regulations are complied with, adds the court bulletin. The Regulation for Mines and Mining Plants (Regulation 854) states that a walkway, stairway or ladderway shall be maintained in a safe condition.