In a tragic workplace incident, Pigments Services Canada, operating under the name Monteith, has been fined $150,000 following a fatal injury to one of its workers in Mississauga, Ontario. This case has sparked serious conversations about workplace safety regulations, industrial machine guarding, and corporate responsibility in Canada’s manufacturing sector.
1. Overview of the Incident
The unfortunate event occurred on April 29, 2024, at the company’s Wharton Glen Avenue facility in Mississauga. Pigments Services Canada is known for producing paint products for industrial use, but this day ended in tragedy when a routine operation turned deadly.
2. Details of the Fatal Accident
A worker was mixing paint using a large machine that operates with a rotating paddle shaft. According to reports, the worker’s clothing got entangled in the unguarded rotating shaft, leading to a fatal injury.
The worker was performing the task alone, which added to the danger as immediate assistance wasn’t available at the time of the incident.
3. Investigation Findings
An investigation by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development concluded that the company had failed to install proper safety guards on its mixing machines.
“The mixer and similar machines were not properly guarded to protect workers,” the Ministry stated.
This finding clearly indicated that preventable safety measures were overlooked, directly violating the safety requirements set under Ontario Regulation 851.
4. Occupational Health and Safety Act Violation
Pigments Services Canada Inc. was found guilty of violating:
- Section 24 of Ontario Regulation 851, which mandates guarding of exposed moving parts.
- Sections 25(1)(c) and 66(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
These violations demonstrate the importance of machine safety protocols in every industrial environment.
5. Court Decision and Fine
Following a guilty plea in the Provincial Offences Court in Mississauga, Justice of the Peace Veruschka Fisher-Grant imposed a $150,000 fine on Pigments Services Canada.
| Penalty Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fine Amount | $150,000 |
| Court | Provincial Offences Court, Mississauga |
| Justice of the Peace | Veruschka Fisher-Grant |
| Additional Charge | 25% victim fine surcharge |
| Beneficiary | Provincial fund to assist crime victims |
The 25% victim surcharge will contribute to Ontario’s fund supporting victims of crime, a standard legal practice following such cases.
6. Company’s Response and Safety Measures
After the fatal accident, Pigments Services Canada took immediate steps to upgrade their safety systems. The company installed protective covers and mesh guards on all paint-mixing machines to prevent access to rotating parts.
While this move came after the tragedy, it highlights how reactive safety culture often develops only after an incident rather than through prevention.
7. Industry Statistics on Paint Mixing Accidents
According to data from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC):
- There were 18 reported injuries related to paint mixing processes across Canada in the past 12 months.
- Out of these, 2 incidents were fatal.
This data reflects the urgent need for stricter machine safety protocols, routine worker training, and risk assessment in manufacturing facilities.
For more on workplace safety, visit Government of Ontario’s Health and Safety page.
8. Final Thoughts and Lessons for Employers
The Pigments Services Canada case is a harsh reminder that workplace safety negligence can cost lives — and millions in penalties.
Employers must ensure that every machine has proper guarding, workers are trained for emergency situations, and regular safety audits are performed.
The goal should be prevention, not reaction. No fine or regulation can bring a life back, but safety awareness can prevent another one from being lost.
Conclusion
This case stands as a clear warning for Canadian industries — safety compliance isn’t optional. Each company must make safety its top priority to protect workers and maintain trust within the community.