Although no criminal charges have yet been filed, Ontario authorities have issued 19 “orders” and one “requirement” to Nexcycle in light of the event. | JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock
An employee at an Ontario plastics recycling facility has died in an on-the-job incident, according to media reports.
The death occurred on Monday, Aug. 28, at Nexcycle Innovations in Brampton, Ontario, according to CBC News. Canadian Occupational Safety, an online news outlet, reported that Peel Regional Police responded to a call of an industrial accident around 7:30 a.m.
The police and the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) are both investigating, but have declined to provide further details on the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.
A spokesperson for MLITSD told Plastics Recycling Update that the ministry issued 19 orders and one requirement to Nexcycle.
When inspectors determine the law has been violated, they can issue “orders” to the employer, supervisors or individual employees to take steps to come back into compliance. For example, an order could require clearing debris or installing a guard rail.
“Requirements” are issued by inspectors when they need to gather more information to determine whether a facility is in compliance or not. For example, they may issue a requirement to provide records or to keep employees away from the scene of an incident.
The ministry also has the legal power to pursue criminal charges against the company or individuals, if regulators determine they are warranted.
Nexcycle, which recycles post-industrial PE and PP and has a capacity of around 100 million pounds per year, is owned by Strategic Materials, Inc. (SMI), a glass recycling company with locations across the U.S.
SMI released the following statement to Canadian Occupational Safety: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of a team member. We are working closely with all the appropriate stakeholders as they continue to investigate this matter. Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.”