Company Accused of 26 Charges Following Death of Worker Trapped in Alberta Smokehouse

November 28, 2024 TruthUSA

An Alberta food processing company faces 26 charges in the death of an Edmonton employee who was trapped and fatally burned in a smokehouse more than a year ago.

Sofina Foods Inc. was charged on Nov. 14 under Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety legislation in connection with the death of Samir Subedi, who suffered fatal burns on March 2, 2023, after becoming trapped in the company’s Edmonton smokehouse while conducting temperature checks.

Subedi was found unconscious and taken to hospital, where he died later that day.

“It is always tragic when a worker dies on the job,” a spokesperson for the Alberta jobs, economy and trade ministry told The Epoch Times in an email. “Our government’s goal is to have all workers return home healthy and safe after every workday.”

The province said it cannot comment further on the issue as the case is before the court.

The charges against Sofina Foods include inadequate worker training on equipment operation, failure to ensure safe exits from work areas, not conducting necessary hazard assessments, and not implementing an effective communication system for those working in confined spaces.

Other charges relate to failure to maintain equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications, not ensuring adequate lighting in workspaces, and failing to prevent employees from accessing spaces they are not authorized to enter.

The company said it has cooperated fully with the investigation.

“Our people are the heart of our business, and our plant superintendent, Samir, was an important part of our Sofina family,” company spokesperson Shannon Denny told The Epoch Times in an email. “His passing profoundly affected his family, our team, and our community.”

Subedi held a master’s degree in food science and technology from the University of Alberta. Before coming to Canada, he worked in India for several years.

Founded in 1995 and based in Markham, Ont., Sofina Foods Inc. manufactures protein products for food service and retail customers. It operates more than 40 sites, with more than 13,000 employees in Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, and France.

The company’s family of branded products includes Cuddy, Lilydale, Janes, Mastro, San Daniele, and Fletcher’s.

The company is scheduled to appear in court in Edmonton on Jan. 7, 2025.

Last month, 19-year-old Gursimran Kaur, a female Walmart employee, was found dead in the store’s walk-in oven in Halifax. While the investigation continues, police said they do not suspect foul play in her death.

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