TORONTO, June 24,
2024 /CNW/ - Elevator contractor OTIS Canada Inc. has
been found guilty to one count of performing work on an elevator in
an unsafe manner, an offence under the Technical Standards and
Safety Act Ontario Regulation 209/01: Elevating Devices. The safety
violation caused injuries to two apprentice elevator mechanics
employed by the company. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered OTIS Canada
Inc. to pay a fine of $300,000, plus
a 25 per cent victim surcharge.
In April 2023, OTIS Canada Inc.
was the contractor responsible for installing new elevators in a
nine-storey condominium under construction in Toronto, when two apprentice elevator
mechanics employed by OTIS Canada Inc. were performing work on an
almost completed elevator. The apprentice mechanics failed to
properly counterbalance the elevator with appropriate weights. They
were riding on the elevator when it plunged from the second floor
to an underground car park level, causing significant injuries. One
apprentice sustained bruises while the other suffered fractures to
both feet. The fallen elevator was heavily damaged.
"This is one of the largest fines imposed on an elevator company
in recent years, reflecting the seriousness of the contractor's
violation which caused significant harm," said AJ Kadirgamar,
Director of Elevating and Amusement Devices, TSSA. "Ensuring the
safety of elevator workers is as critical as ensuring the safety of
all riders. The elevator industry must prioritize maintaining a
safe working environment for their employees and contractors."
About TSSA
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is one of
Ontario's public safety regulators
mandated by the Government of Ontario to enforce provincial safety
regulations and enhance public safety. Throughout Ontario, TSSA regulates the safety of
amusement devices, boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices,
fuels, operating engineers, and ski lifts. Its range of safety
services include public education and consumer information,
certification, licensing and registration, engineering design
review, inspections, investigations, safety management
consultation, compliance support and enforcement and prosecution
activities. The organization's vision is to be a valued advocate
and recognized authority in public safety.
SOURCE Technical Standards and Safety Authority - Research and
Education