Home Hardware Stores Limited has been fined $75,000 after a worker suffered critical injuries in a workplace fall at its St. Jacobs facility in November 2023.
The Ministry of Labour said the employee fell from a ladder while descending from the top of a water reservoir about 10 feet above the ground. A court found the worker had not received ladder safety training during orientation.
The company pleaded guilty in Provincial Offences Court in Kitchener. In addition to the fine, a 25 per cent victim surcharge was imposed.
Following the incident, Home Hardware introduced ladder safety training, required spotters for ladder use, and replaced the existing aluminum shelf ladder with rolling staircase ladders featuring guardrails and standing platforms.