Wal-Mart Canada Fined $500,000 for Failing to Follow Workplace Safety Protocols

Wal-Mart Canada Corp. has pleaded guilty to 25 charges of failing to notify the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board within 3 days of learning of injuries to its workers. The board fined Wal-Mart Canada $500,000.

Josh Cable

March 18, 2005

Wal-Mart's failure to notify the board within the prescribed timeframe constitutes a violation under Section 152(3) of Canada's Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.

In addition to the fine, the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton ordered Wal-Mart to pay a "victim fine surcharge" of $125,000.

"People who fail to comply with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act are undermining the effective operation of Ontario's workplace safety and insurance system," said Wayne Pushka, director of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board's Security and Investigations Branch. "By prosecuting these offenses, the WSIB is helping to ensure a fair and effective workplace safety and insurance system and safe and health workplaces for all Ontarians."

Wal-Mart Canada, headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, has more than 235 stores and six Sam's Clubs and employs more than 60,000 people, according to its Web site.