Agricultural employer fined for worker’s hand injury

Incident happened when worker was preparing seed potatoes

Agricultural employer fined for worker’s hand injury
Company after WSH investigation.

Agricultural company Shilo Farms Ltd. was fined $28,675 and an additional $2,000 to be used for educating the public on occupational safety and health for violating the Workplace Safety and Health Act which resulted in a worker injury.

The worker was injured on April 26, 2018 while preparing seed potatoes. Potatoes travel along conveyors to a seed-treating drum and while inspecting the seed-treating drum, the worker’s left hand made contact with the conveyor’s exposed chain and sprockets. The worker suffered serious hand injuries as a result.

Manitoba Finance’s Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) conducted the investigation, and reminded employers to ensure workplaces are safe and safeguards are in place for machines.

At the time of the incident, the company employed approximately 40 workers.

Previously, Neptune Fresh Produce Inc., a fruit and vegetable packing company based in Richmond, B.C., was fined $138,683.76 in September after an incident that took place at its food processing facility.

Green Belting Industries Ltd. was also fined $60,000 and commercial printing company Imprimeries Transcontinental 2005 S.E.N.C. $65,000. All fines were in relation to worker injuries.

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