Ontario-based food processing company Sofina Foods Inc. has been ordered to pay $330,000 after a tragic workplace incident in Edmonton led to the death of a 32-year-old employee who became trapped in a smokehouse.
A judge ruled Thursday that the funds must be directed toward a workplace safety training program. Justice Michele Collinson emphasized the need for a serious penalty, stating that “no amount of money or any sentence can make up for the loss of life.”
In court, it was revealed that Sofina had provided significant support to the victim’s family, including paying off their mortgage and maintaining health and dental benefits. In total, the company spent around $500,000 to assist the family following the incident.
The ruling followed the company’s guilty plea to one workplace safety violation. The remaining 25 charges were withdrawn as part of the legal resolution.
The incident occurred in March 2023, when Samir Subedi entered a gas-fired smokehouse to check its temperature. The door’s faulty safety mechanisms failed, and Subedi became trapped inside as temperatures reached 92°C. He died from heat exposure.
