Court BulletinMinistry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills DevelopmentSeptember 4, 2026
Milton food processor fined $50,000 after worker critically injured clearing silo
A worker was critically hurt while clearing a sugar silo at Chudleigh's Milton plant; the company was fined and must pay a 25% victim surcharge.
Summary
What happened
- On Jan. 23, 2024 a worker reached into a valve at the base of a sugar silo to clear a blockage. The equipment moved unexpectedly and the worker was critically injured.
- The incident took place at Chudleigh's Ltd., 8501 Chudleigh Way, Milton, Ontario.
Court finding and penalty
- Court date / conviction: May 29, 2026 (Ontario Court of Justice, Burlington).
- Legal finding: Chudleigh's failed to acquaint the worker with the hazard, contravening section 25(2)(d) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
- Penalty: $50,000 fine plus a 25% victim fine surcharge (credited to a provincial fund for victims of crime).
- Justice of the Peace: Trevor J. Howard. Crown Counsel: Alexsis Qi.
Why it matters
- The case highlights employer duties to train and inform workers about specific equipment hazards (silos and base valves) in food processing settings.
- Employers and safety officers should review procedures for clearing blockages and worker training to prevent similar injuries.
Related links
Source: Ontario Newsroom