EDMONTON – A 37-year-old man was killed while working at a Suncor mine in northern Alberta on Monday morning.
It happened around 10 a.m. at Suncor’s Steepbank Mine.
The 37-year-old was working for North American Construction, the prime contractor at Suncor.
According to Occupational Health and Safety, the man was working on a D9 Dozer when the sump pan fell and hit him in the head.
The North American Construction Group says the employee was severely injured while doing maintenance work on a piece of heavy equipment.
He was taken to Northern Lights Regional Health Centre where he was pronounced dead.
“We are devastated by this news and deeply saddened by the terrible and unexpected loss of our co-worker and friend,” said Martin Ferron, president and CEO of North American Construction Group.
“I know there’s nothing I can say that will make this loss easier for the employee’s loved ones to bear, but I can assure them that we will do everything within our power to provide the support they need during this extremely difficult time.”
The name of the man, who the company says was an out-of-province employee, is not being released at this time.
North American Construction Group says it is working with the appropriate authorities and will complete a full investigation into the cause of the incident.
“Obviously, this is a truly tragic situation,” said Kelli Stevens, a spokesperson for Suncor.
“The incident today did occur in a part of Suncor’s site that was managed by North American Construction Group,” she explained. “They have full – what’s called – care, custody, and control, which means they’re managing their own work.”
“This is the first fatality that we’ve experienced for quite a while, certainly since I’ve been with the company,” said David Blackley, CFO of North American Construction Group, who’s worked there for six-and-a-half years.
“We’re devastated by this loss, and we do extend our sympathy out to the family and we are working with them right now, trying to provide them with whatever assistance they need through this difficult time.”
This is the fourth job fatality on a Suncor job site this year.
“Even the idea of one incident like this is too many,” said Stevens. “Contractor or employee, we want all of our people to go home safely… We continue to be focused on safety as the most number one priority we can have.”
She added that Suncor is responding with support wherever it can.
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