On June 18, Sofina Foods Inc. made headlines when it pleaded guilty to a significant count under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. This came after a heartbreaking incident in March, where a worker was found unconscious inside a smokehouse and sadly passed away.

As part of their sentence, the company was ordered to pay $330,000 to the Alberta Food Processors Association. This money will help fund a training program focused on improving safety in the food processing industry, especially when it comes to working in confined spaces.

The OHS Act allows creative sentencing like this, ensuring that fines are used in ways that promote workplace health and safety rather than just being paid to the government.

Both Sofina Foods and the Crown have a month to appeal the conviction or the penalties. It serves as a reminder that Alberta’s health and safety laws aim to protect workers and hold employers accountable.