St. Jacobs retailer fined after worker critically injured in ladder fall

What happened

• Where and when: Warehouse at 34 Henry Street West, St. Jacobs — incident on Nov 3, 2023; conviction on Jun 23, 2026.
• What: A worker climbed an aluminum shelf ladder to check a water reservoir about 10 feet above the floor, slipped while descending, and was critically injured.
• Legal finding: The employer failed to provide fixed stairs or an access ladder where frequent access was required, contrary to section 19 of Ontario Regulation 851/90 and section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

By the numbers

• Fine: $75,000.
• Victim fine surcharge: 25% (credited to a provincial fund).

Court details

• Guilty plea in Provincial Offences Court, Kitchener. Justice of the Peace: Michael Cuthbertson. Crown Counsel: Katie Krafchick.

What the employer changed after the incident

• Replaced the aluminum shelf ladder with rolling staircase ladders that have a top platform, guardrails on both sides, and brakes.
• Required workers to use spotters and posted “spotters required” signs on rolling ladders.
• Shifted responsibility for checking water levels to the maintenance team and provided ladder safety training to employees.