A workplace injury at the Saputo Dairy Products facility in Tavistock has led to a $75,000 fine against the company.

A worker at the facility suffered a hand injury from a cheese cutter machine, on July 11, 2021, according to a press release.

The company pleaded guilty in provincial offences court in Woodstock. In addition to the $75,000 fine imposed by Justice of the Peace Michael Cuthbertson, the company must pay a 25 per cent victim fine surcharge, a government fund to assist victims of crime.

A Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development investigation determined that a ‘pusher arm’ should have been stopped from moving and prevented from starting, and the machine should have been locked out before troubleshooting/maintenance from staff started.

The company failed as an employer to ensure that measures and procedures were carried out in the workplace, contrary to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Saputo is one of the top 10 dairy processors in the world, with products sold in over 60 countries, per the company website, and it is the leading cheese manufacturer and fluid milk and cream processor in Canada.

Following the incident, the company voluntarily undertook various remedial actions to further improve safety.