Olymel to challenge orders given by MOL

Shawna O'Neill, TC Media
Olymel to challenge orders given by MOL
The Olymel plant in Cornwall. (Shawna O'Neill

CORNWALL, Ontario – On July 19, a 22-year-old female became trapped in a piece of machinery while cleaning it at Olymel Prince Foods L.P. 

After the Ministry of Labour (MOL) completed an investigation into the incident, a total of eight orders were issued; five to subcontractor Clean International and three to Olymel.

Richard Vigneault, spokesperson for Olymel, said that the company is going to challenge the orders in coming months through a mediation process.

He could offer no further comment at this time but he advised that the 22-year-old has returned to work.

On July 19, the following orders were issued to Clean International:

– Employer shall ensure that when the machine is started, control switches or other control mechanisms are locked out and all precautions taken to prevent any starting.

– Stop Work Order – Stop work on the machine until the above order has been complied with.

On July 20, the inspector returned to the workplace and issued the following three orders to both Clean International and Olymel :

– Employer shall ensure that machinery is stopped prior to being cleaned or repaired.

– Stop Work Order – Workers are to stop cleaning the machinery until the above order is complied with.

– Employer shall provide information, instruction and supervision to workers on the requirements to stop and lock out the machinery.

Cornwall Fire Services were called to free the 22-year-old’s hand after 3 a.m. on July 19. She was taken to the Cornwall Community Hospital (CCH) but was then transferred to the Ottawa trauma centre. 

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