A young Toronto worker is recovering in hospital after suffering a serious injury when her hand became trapped in a meat grinder during an industrial incident in East York.
Emergency Response to Thorncliffe Park Incident
Toronto Police responded to a call about an industrial accident just after 11 p.m. on Monday night. The incident occurred in the area of Overlea Boulevard and Thorncliffe Park Drive. Constable Shannon Eames of the Toronto Police Service confirmed the details to the media on Tuesday.
"It was reported that an adult female got her hand stuck in a meat grinder," Eames stated. The victim was transported to a local hospital via emergency run. Authorities confirmed her injuries were serious but non-life threatening.
Ministry of Labour Launches Investigation
As is standard procedure for workplace accidents, the Ministry of Labour has been notified and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police officers remained at the hospital with the victim following the accident.
Constable Eames noted that while such calls are rare, they are not unheard of. "I want to say in the three years I've been here, I've gotten maybe this type of thing where a hand is stuck in a meat grinder maybe three times," she said. She emphasized that the victim's condition was the primary concern, adding, "Luckily she's OK and that's the most important part."
Details of the Workplace and Victim
While police could not confirm reports that the incident happened at a restaurant, Constable Eames did note the workplace was located in a strip mall. Paramedics on scene provided additional information to other news outlets, identifying the injured worker as a 19-year-old woman.
The Ministry of Labour, which oversees workplace safety and investigates serious incidents, had not provided an immediate comment on the ongoing investigation. The case highlights the ever-present risks in industrial and food preparation environments, even for young workers.
