Company faces seven charges in death of worker

A Hamilton vegetable oil processing company is facing seven charges in connection with the death of a worker last summer.

Curt Besner, of Hamilton, fell 10 metres to his death while working the overnight shift on June 29, 2008 at Bunge Canada on Victoria Avenue North. Bunge Canada is the country's largest processor of soybeans and canola seeds.

Ontario's labour ministry laid the charges against Bunge Canada under the province's Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Four of the charges are related to failing to ensure a fall arrest system was used and failing to ensure a worker had sufficient training with a fall arrest system.

The other three charges are related to the work platform and the proper handling of soybean meal by employees.

If found guilty, Bunge Canada faces a maximum fine of $500,000 for each conviction.

A labour ministry spokesperson declined further comment on the charges.