Metal manufacturer fined over forklift death

News Story
- 2 May 2024 ( #1177 ) - Ottawa, Canada
1 min read
The company pleaded guilty to breaching safety laws
The company pleaded guilty to breaching safety laws

A metal manufacturing company was fined CAD110,000 (USD80,360) after a worker was killed by a metal beam that fell from a forklift.

Performance Finishing and Fabrication, based in Vars, Ontario, pleaded guilty to violating Canada’s Occupational Health and Safety Act in the Provincial Offences Court in Ottawa, according to an Ontario government court bulletin.

The court heard that in June 2022, the president of the company and an employee were working together to manufacture a steel trailer frame for a mobile home.

The company president was transporting a metal beam on a forklift. The worker was on the ground to steady the beam being lifted.

The metal beam was not secured to the forklift and it fell off, striking the worker and causing fatal injuries.

As well as the CAD110,000 fine, Justice of the Peace Karen Baum also imposed a compulsory 25% surcharge to be credited to a fund to assist victims of crime.

Cat launches new electric forklift
Cat launches new electric forklift 20 Nov 2025 - Texas, United States - 1 min read
Irish company fined after forklift fatality
Irish company fined after forklift fatality 6 Nov 2025 - Dublin, Ireland - 1 min read
Stacker Briefs
Stacker Briefs 14 Aug 2025 - 1 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here

In February 2026, Forkliftaction News will publish a special feature on battery affordability across lifetime, which will take a deep dive into the total cost of ownership.

Are you an expert in this field? To secure your contribution to this popular topic sign on by 18 December 2025!

[Reach out today] to express your interest and receive pricing options and DOWNLOAD our latest media kit for details on our contributor packages.

Words of support …

At Linde Material Handling, we appreciate Forkliftaction for its competent and informative reporting and its global perspective. Forkliftaction is one of the few industry media with a transnational readership.

Heike Oder, Head of Trade Press

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

In February 2026, Forkliftaction News will publish a special feature on battery affordability across lifetime, which will take a deep dive into the total cost of ownership.

Are you an expert in this field? To secure your contribution to this popular topic sign on by 18 December 2025!

[Reach out today] to express your interest and receive pricing options and DOWNLOAD our latest media kit for details on our contributor packages.

In February 2026, Forkliftaction News will publish a special feature on battery affordability across lifetime, which will take a deep dive into the total cost of ownership.

Are you an expert in this field? To secure your contribution to this popular topic sign on by 18 December 2025!

[Reach out today] to express your interest and receive pricing options and DOWNLOAD our latest media kit for details on our contributor packages.

PREMIUM business

Flexi® By Narrow Aisle Limited
Leading manufacturers of very narrow aisle (VNA) equipment.

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET