Contract worker killed at Suncor site near Fort McMurray

One person was killed in a workplace incident that happened Friday morning at the Suncor Millennium mine, about 25 kilometres north of Fort McMurray.

“We regret to confirm that there has been a fatality involving a contractor at our oilsand base plant site,” said Sneh Seetal, a spokesperson with Suncor Energy. “Earlier this morning, our personnel immediately responded to an incident where the person was working. Unfortunately, they were pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Seetal said no other workers were injured and everyone has been accounted for.

“First and foremost we extend our deepest condolences to the person’s family, friends and co-workers during this time,” said Seetal.

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The person killed was working on excavation activities with the contract company AECON Mining, Seetal said.

A spokesperson with Alberta Labour said the man in his 30s was doing trenching work at the time. An investigation is underway.

“There are a number of provisions in the OHS code around trenching and excavations,” Trent Bancarz said. “The purpose of an investigation is to determine exactly what happened and if all of the rules were being followed and if things were done the way they were supposed to be done.”

READ MORE: Man killed while building fence at northern Alberta worksite

The CEO of Aecon Group Inc. released a statement to say operations on the project have been put on hold.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm a fatality has occurred at an Aecon project in Fort McMurray,” John Beck said in a statement.

“We will work closely with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety in respect of the incident. We will also undertake a thorough investigation into the matter. Our sympathies and prayers are with our employee’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Wood Buffalo RCMP said officers were called to help with emergency services at the Suncor site at 9:40 a.m.

Grief counselling services have been provided for people on site, Seetal said. Suncor also has a family assistance program that can be accessed remotely.

With a file from The Canadian Press