A flooring manufacturer located in Canada was fined $225,000 after a worker lost his life on the job December 17, 2017.

The worker, who was killed at Satin Finish Hardwood Flooring's Toronto manufacturing facility after being trapped in a wood-drying kiln, suffered severe heat injuries.

Two workers were tasked with fixing a manufacturing damper on one of the company's three kilns. The workers discovered the damper was frozen open and let the heat from the kiln melt the ice. Later that day, they returned to the kiln to see if the frozen damper had thawed out. They turned off the kiln, though it still would remain hot for some time. One went into the kiln's control room through the rear door. The other went on the roof to see if they could see sunlight. This was done to confirm whether or not the damper was functional.

Upon returning from the roof, the worker could not locate the other worker. The worker and supervisor entered the kiln through the front door and found the other worker on the ground and unresponsive. The temperature was 149 degrees and humidity was high. Unfortunately, emergency services were unable to revive the worker. An investigation revealed that the worker attempted to open the front door from the inside; however, a corroded door latch made that impossible. He must have died before making it back to the rear door. 

The official report said that Satin Finish was at fault for failing to make sure the door could be opened from the inside.

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