Irving Shipbuilding worker struck by piece of equipment, died at scene: police

Halifax Regional Police say they are investigating the death of an Irving Shipbuilding worker in Halifax Monday.

In a release, police said officers responded to a workplace injury at the Irving Shipbuilding facility at 3099 Barrington St. around 11:40 a.m.

“A 43-year-old man was struck by a piece of equipment and pronounced deceased at the scene,” it said.

“The investigation is in the early stages and investigators from the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division and the Department of Labour are investigating the incident.”

A spokesperson for Irving Shipbuilding confirmed the fatality Monday, but would not share more information.

In a statement posted to social media that evening, Irving said it was “saddened to share that a workplace accident occurred at the Halifax Shipyard … resulting in the loss of one of our teammates.”

Irving said it was cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, and requested privacy for those involved “as the investigation runs its course and we learn from this tragedy.”

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“Our thoughts are with those impacted as we focus on providing the resources and support they need, including onsite and remote counselling services, in addition to leave of absence availability,” it said.

Department of Labour spokesperson Monica MacLean said Tuesday that the investigation is still underway and a stop work order has been issued.

“A review is underway of existing safe work procedures around snow removal processes, and mechanical assessment of the equipment involved,” sh said. “As this is an active investigation, we cannot release further information at this time.”

‘A very sad day’

Jennifer Murray, Atlantic regional director of Unifor, which represents more than 1,150 workers at the Halifax Shipyard, said the shipyard’s leadership and members are making sure they’re supporting each other in the aftermath of the incident.

“It’s always a very sad day when a worker doesn’t return home,” she said.

“If there’s anything that we can say to the family, friends and our UNIFOR family at the shipyard, is that we are here for you and we send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of this worker who lost their life yesterday.”

Local union leadership has been on-site since the accident occurred. They are working with the employer, the Department of Labour and police to better understand what happened.

“Until these investigations are pursued and the results are shared, we’re just unsure of what steps can be taken at this time and what measures need to be put in place, if any,” Murray said.

“But, certainly, if there are priorities that need to be looked at and addressed, then we will make sure that that happens.”