An extensive investigation by Nova Scotia's Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration has concluded that there were no safety violations associated with the tragic death of 19-year-old Gursimran Kaur, a Walmart employee who died in a bakery oven in October 2024. The investigation, which took place over 16 months, involved a thorough examination of workplace conditions and the specific oven related to the incident. Ultimately, investigators determined that the equipment was functioning properly at the time of her death, and that no actions or inactions could be pinpointed as direct contributing factors.

Gursimran Kaur's family and the local Sikh community confirmed her identity shortly after the incident. It was reported that Kaur's mother, also an employee at the Walmart location, discovered her daughter’s body in the walk-in oven. This tragic event sparked significant concern among workers and the community about the safety of conditions at that store, underscoring the need for stringent workplace safety measures and oversight, especially in environments involving heavy machinery and equipment.

Even though the investigation cleared the store of safety violations, concerns may linger in the community about the adequacy of workplace safety protocols within retailers. The incident raises critical discussions around the responsibilities of employers to ensure not only compliance with safety regulations but also the overall well-being of their employees. It highlights the importance of workplace culture and safety training, particularly in high-risk environments like kitchens and manufacturing settings.