Worker was handling long gun that suddenly discharged
A Saskatchewan meat processing company has been fined $40,000 after a worker was seriously injured when a rifle discharged at a worksite near Gruenthal.
Valley Meat Processors Inc. pleaded guilty in Rosthern Provincial Court on March 11, 2026 to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020, the Saskatchewan government said in a news release issued 24 March.
The company was convicted of contravening clause 3‑1(c) of the regulations, which deals with an employer’s duty to provide information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to protect worker health and safety.
The Saskatchewan government said the company, “being an employer at a place of employment, fail[ed] to provide any information, instruction, training and supervision that is necessary to protect the health and safety of workers at work, resulting in a serious injury of a worker.”
Incident details near Gruenthal
The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on Dec. 28, 2023 near Gruenthal, Saskatchewan, when “a worker was seriously injured while handling a rifle which discharged,” according to the province.
The Court imposed a fine of $28,571.43 and a victim fine surcharge of $11,428.57, for a total penalty of $40,000. One additional charge was withdrawn.
The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety said it “works with employers and workers to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses through education, intervention and enforcement.”
