Toronto Building Owner Prosecuted for Unlicensed and Unsafe Elevator

Dec 5, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Toronto, ON, December 5, 2016) – The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) successfully prosecuted the owner of 71 Milvan Drive in North York for operating an unlicensed and unsafe elevator.

In November 2014, a worker using the freight elevator to move equipment between floors had his foot crushed by the elevator, resulting in the amputation of all five of his toes.
TSSA’s investigation of the incident determined that the elevator was unlicensed and not properly maintained by a TSSA-registered elevator contractor, contrary to the Elevating Devices Regulation.

The Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto found the building owner, 1632945 Ontario Inc., guilty of contravening Ontario’s elevator safety laws and operating an unsafe elevator. The company was fined $70,000, plus the mandatory 25% victim surcharge, for a total penalty of $87,500.

“These are serious violations of Ontario’s safety rules,” said Roger Neate, Director of TSSA’s Elevating and Amusements Devices. “Elevator licensing, maintenance and safe operation are there for a very good reason: to ensure passengers arrive safely without injury. This serves as a jarring reminder that safety is paramount to any elevator use, whether designed for freight or passengers.”

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.

                                                                            -30-
For more information, please contact:

Wilson Lee, 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.