A worker has died following what police say was an industrial accident at the AIM Recycling Atlantic facility in Saint John, N.B.
In a release, the Saint John Police Force said emergency personnel responded to 145 Gateway St., where the facility is located, around 1:30 p.m. Thursday.
“A 60-year-old man working on-site was injured and transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries,” the release said.
On Friday, Saint John Police said the man, identified as Darrell Richards, has died.
“The Saint John Police sends our condolences to the family and friends of Darrell Richards at this most difficult time,” the release said.
The Saint John Police major crime unit is assisting the coroner’s office and WorkSafe NB in a joint investigation, the release said.
In a statement Thursday, WorkSafe NB spokesperson Laragh Dooley confirmed they are investigating what happened.
“An investigation allows us to better understand the cause of incidents and is a key element to preventing similar incidents from happening in the future,” she said.
“Typically, investigations can take several months to complete. As this is an active investigation, we cannot provide any further details at this time.”
Second fatal incident
This is the second fatal incident to happen at the AIM facility in less than a year.
In November 2021, WorkSafe NB launched an investigation after a worker was injured during an industrial accident and taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
On Thursday, Dooley said the investigation into the November incident is still ongoing, but said initial information “does not indicate that the incidents are similar in nature.”
“More complex investigations such as fatalities, can take 12 months or more to conclude because the process involves thorough examination of the incident site, witness statements, examination of any machinery or equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) present, work procedures and whether the injured worker(s) received adequate training and supervision,” she said.
“As a result of the investigation findings, WorkSafeNB may recommend charges to the Department of Justice.”
A spokesperson for AIM could not be reached for comment.
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