Parmalat Canada fined C$100,000 for violation of Occupational Health and Safety Act after worker suffers first- and second-degree burns while checking pipe system

Nevin Barich

LONDON, Ontario , January 27, 2012 (press release) – Parmalat Canada Inc., a producer of milk and dairy products, was fined $100,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was injured.

On December 18, 2009, at the company's facility in Mitchell, ON, a worker was checking that a pipe system had been properly cleaned. The cleaning process involves running hot water through the pipes. While taking apart one of the valves in the pipe system, the worker was suddenly sprayed by hot water. The worker received first and second degree burns.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that there was no need for the water in the pipes to be kept hot while the worker was checking the system.

Parmalat Canada Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to take the reasonable precaution of ensuring that any water remaining in the pipe system was not hot prior to a worker opening the valves of the system.

The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Lorenzo Palumbo. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

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