BRAMPTON, Ontario – The flash/freeze system in the meat patty pressing process at Cargill Limited’s Brampton facility can cause frozen pieces of meat to stick to the exhaust pipe. A worker attempting to clear the ice jam put a hand in the pipe and the exhaust fan amputated several fingers, among other injuries.

Cargill Limited was given a fine based on failure as an employer to provide the worker with information, instruction and supervision to protect the worker’s health and safety, which is contrary to Section 25(2)(a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The company pleaded guilty and Justice of the Peace Noel Rohan issued the $65,000 fine. In addition, a 25 percent victim fine surcharge was imposed as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge goes to a government fund to assist victims of crime.

 In a statement, Cargill said: “Providing employees with a safe work environment is a top priority for Cargill. Cargill takes the charges by the Ontario Ministry of Labour regarding the incident at our Brampton facility seriously. Cargill has fully investigated this incident to better understand how to prevent future similar accidents. Cargill fully cooperated with the Ministry of Labour in its investigation. The employee has recovered and continues to work with Cargill.”