Workplace Safety North (WSN) was informed of a fatality of a worker that occurred at a mine site near Kirkland Lake, Ontario. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) is investigating. WSN wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to everyone affected by this incident.
While details have yet to be confirmed, the incident appears to have occurred during a shaft sinking operation when a worker was pinned by equipment causing fatal injuries.
Employers are reminded of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Ontario Regulation 854: Mines and Mining Plants, including section 237 which applies during shaft sinking operations.
WSN encourages workplaces across Ontario to reflect on this hazard and remind workers of the precautions to be taken when working around equipment or where shaft sinking is taking place. A series of free resources can be found on WSN’s Resources Hub webpage. Additional information can be found on the Workplace health and safety webpage on the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development website.