Canada Royal Milk: Employment Lawyer on Harassment, Workplace Safety

Canada Royal Milk employees allege safety, harassment issues

Employees at the Canada Royal Milk facility in Kingston, Ontario told CBC News that they fear for their lives because of alleged safety issues and harassment in the workplace.

Media reports and workplace safety statistics suggest that the plant presents explosion and electrocution risks, air quality concerns, and a high rate of staff injuries, among other issues.

The facility is owned by Chinese infant milk producer Feihe International.

Right to refuse unsafe work in Ontario

“Whether it be a multi-national corporation or small local business, every employer operating in Ontario has strict workplace health and safety obligations,” says Ottawa employment lawyer Alex Lucifero, partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

“If an employer refuses to properly investigate or rectify safety issues in the workplace, employees have the right to refuse work.”

The Occupational Health and Safety Act in Ontario gives a worker the right to refuse work that he or she believes is unsafe. The OHSA also sets out a specific procedure that must be followed in any work refusal.

Employees should not be fearful of reporting health and safety concerns in the workplace. Employees cannot be punished or terminated for reporting such concerns, or for refusing to work in unsafe conditions. If an individual’s employment is terminated for any of these reasons, they should contact an employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP immediately to pursue their legal right for full compensation.