CORNWALL – The Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) issued eight orders against Cornwall bacon processor Olymel and its contracted cleaning firm, Clean International, in relation to a summer workplace injury.
An investigation started in mid-July after an overnight worker with Clean International became trapped while cleaning a machine. The 22-year-old woman was seriously injured when her hand got caught. She was treated at an Ottawa trauma center.
In an email to Cornwall Newswatch, MOL spokesman Janet Deline said Clean International was issued an order to make sure that, before cleaning, all controls are locked out and precautions are taken to prevent starting a machine.
There were also two orders for Clean International to make sure the machine is stopped prior to cleaning or repair and to provide instruction to employees.
As for Olymel, it faced two similar orders on making sure machines are stopped prior to cleaning or repair and to provide instruction to employees.
The rest of the orders for both companies were stop work orders until the steps were taken to improve working conditions.
“All of the orders for both companies have been complied with including all stop work orders,” Deline wrote.
The Ministry of Labour has closed its investigation.