Plant owners fined $175,000 in 24-year-old worker’s death

Local manufacturing company Prestressed Systems Inc. has been fined $175,000 in Ontario court for its role in the death of an employee.

Michael Cobb, 24, died on April 12, 2018, when he was crushed against a wall after being hit by a metal plate used in the manufacturing of concrete girders at the facility when “stressors” used to help strengthen the concrete suddenly broke free.

Guide wires should have been in place to keep the high-pressured equipment from failing, according to evidence presented in court.

With Cobb’s family in attendance on Monday, justice of the peace Susan Hoffman agreed to a joint submission from the Crown and the company lawyer, Patrick Ducharme, on the fine amount, plus a guilty plea submitted by PSI on one count of failing to properly protect the worker.

PSI will have one year to pay the $175,000 fine to the Ministry of Labour, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge fine.

A second employee was also injured in the incident, suffering broken bones to his face and ribs, but his injuries were not life threatening.

On behalf of the company, Ducharme expressed remorse for what the Cobb family has gone through.

He said Cobb’s father delivered an emotional victim-impact statement in court but was also “gracious” to acknowledge the company’s efforts “to help with the healing process.”

The company provided financial help that included counselling and assisting with funeral expenses.

Cobb had been employed with PSI for about two years, Ducharme said. It’s such a difficult loss for the family, but they noted in court how Michael loved working for the company,” he said. “He arrived early, stayed late and was an ideal employee.”