Breadsource Corporation, an industrial bakery in Ontario, faced a $57,000 fine after a worker sustained critical injuries. Following a guilty plea, the employer was also instructed to pay a 25% victim surcharge.
The incident occurred on July 15, 2022, at the company’s Scarborough facility. A temporary worker, hired through an agency, was assigned to a bread conveyor belt that lacked necessary guarding. Despite this, the worker suffered a critical injury while adjusting bread on the conveyor.
The Ontario government cited Breadsource Corporation for failing to ensure compliance with safety measures outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Post-incident, the company installed additional guarding on the conveyor to prevent similar accidents.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) highlighted various hazards associated with working near conveyors, including rotating parts that can cause entanglement and items falling off the conveyor.
CCOHS emphasized the importance of ensuring all safeguards and safety devices are in place and operational when working near conveyors. Additionally, workers are advised to wear appropriate safety gear, tie back long hair, and familiarize themselves with emergency shut-off devices.