Canada Labour Code Prosecution: La Meunerie Milanaise Inc. Milan and St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec

The accidents

On April 21, 2016, an employee of La Meunerie Milanaise Inc. (employer) was involved in an accident resulting in a partial amputation of a finger while attempting to unclog a blockage in a spray system at the employer’s Milan, Quebec worksite. A similar accident occurred in 2010, which also resulted in a finger amputation. In that previous case, the Labour Program carried out an investigation related to machine safety and directed the employer to address machine safety hazards in the workplace.

On May 11, 2016, a third accident occurred involving an employee who suffered the partial amputation of three fingers while attempting to unclog a blockage in a dust collector at the employer’s Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec worksite. This accident occurred in conditions that were very similar to the two previous accidents.

Prosecution

Following an investigation of both incidents, legal proceedings were initiated and nine charges were laid against the employer in relation to each 2016 accident.

On January 21, 2019, la Meunerie Milanaise Inc. pleaded guilty to one charge, related to failing to attach guards to machines with exposed moving or rotating parts, in each case against them. As a result of the guilty plea, the employer was ordered to pay a fine of $70,000 for each guilty plea and the remaining charge.