ThyssenKrupp Fined $375K for Safety Violations
ThyssenKrupp Fined $375K for Safety Violations
Court levies stiff penalty against elevator giant for putting the public at risk
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Toronto, ON, January 25, 2017) – The Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto levied a stark $375,000 fine plus a mandatory 25% victim surcharge for a total penalty of $468,750 against ThyssenKrupp Elevator (Canada) for violating provincial safety laws.
ThyssenKrupp was found guilty of two major offences under the Technical Standards and Safety Act,2000 (TSS Act) for an incident that occurred at an Etobicoke condominium in July 2009 where a passenger sustained injuries to his leg when the elevator dropped with the doors open. The charges related to failing to maintain the elevator in a safe operating condition and putting into service an unsafe elevator.
TSSA investigators found a critical component of the elevator was badly worn and in need of replacement. Poor maintenance of the elevator by ThyssenKrupp allowed the elevator car to move with the doors open.
The incident left a 32-year-old man with an 11-centimetre laceration to his ankle. Twelve other passengers were fortunate to have escaped the incident without injury.
The $375,000 penalty sends a strong message to elevator maintenance contractors that Ontario’s safety laws must be respected and any violator who puts the public at risk will face the full extent of the law.
“Justice was served today,” said Roger Neate, TSSA’s Director of Elevating and Amusement Devices. “ThyssenKrupp’s negligence in maintaining its elevator was unconscionable. This is a serious safety violation and the court’s verdict says it loud and clear – ThyssenKrupp and the elevator industry will be held accountable when they fail to complete required safety maintenance.”
About TSSA The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is Ontario’s public safety regulator 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, ski lifts, and upholstered and stuffed articles. Its range of safety services include public education and consumer information, certification, licensing and registration, engineering design review, inspections, investigations, safety management consultation, and enforcement and prosecution activities. The organization’s vision is to be a valued advocate and recognized authority in public safety.
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For more information, please contact: Steve Robinson, Spokesperson Technical Standards and Safety Authority Telephone: 1-877-682-8772; Email: media@tssa.org For more information on the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, please visit www.tssa.org.