Poultry Processing Facility Fined Following Workplace Incident

AM Wholesale Meats Ltd., based in Mississauga, has received a fine of $50,000 after an unfortunate workplace incident left one of its employees injured. The event took place on March 7, 2024, prompting a serious investigation into safety protocols at the poultry processing and distribution facility located at 2450 Anson Drive.

Legal Proceedings

The conviction was finalized on October 27, 2025, after the company entered a guilty plea in the Provincial Offences Court in Mississauga. Justice of the Peace Leslie Calhoun imposed the penalty, with representation from Crown Counsel Alicia Gordon-Fagan and Student-at-Law Nadine Nossibeh. In addition to the fine, a 25 percent victim fine surcharge was levied, a requirement under the Provincial Offences Act, which aids victims of crime through a designated provincial program.

The Incident

Details surrounding the incident reveal that a worker operating a pallet truck in the shipping and receiving area collided with a rack’s cross beam. The beam, lacking essential locking pins, failed and caused a pallet to fall, leading to the worker’s injury.

Investigation Findings

The investigation, carried out by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, uncovered that the facility’s racking system had damaged diagonal cross braces and missing locking pins, which created hazardous storage conditions. The Ministry determined that AM Wholesale Meats Ltd. did not adhere to safe storage practices, thus violating section 45(b)(ii) of Ontario Regulation 851 and sections 25(1)(c) and 66(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Corrective Measures Implemented

In response to the incident, the company has taken proactive steps to improve safety. Measures include re-certifying its racking systems, instituting daily equipment inspections, enhancing health and safety training, and hiring a dedicated employee for health, safety, and quality assurance.

Conclusion

This case underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures and regular inspections in warehouse and industrial environments. Maintaining safe storage standards not only protects employees but also ensures compliance with legal safety regulations.