Blog Post #1363 – Crane Mishap Claims One in Joffre, Alberta

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Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine (May 2016)

An incident at a construction site at a chemical-manufacturing facility in Joffre, Alberta has claimed the life of a worker.

According to the Alberta Ministry of Labour, a group of workers at the NOVA Chemicals PE1, Expansion Project structure and site were taking a crane apart on April 27, 2016, when a piece of the crane struck a worker.

“He was transported to red Deer Hospital, but died on the way,” communications representative Lauren Welch reports. He adds that the victim was a contract worker from Rapacon, Inc., rents and sells Potain cranes from its Rocky View location.

The company’s senior vice president, Bill Greene, says the Rapacon employee sustained severe trauma from his impact with the equipment. “NOVA Chemicals, Joffre Site emergency personnel responded to the incident and rescued the worker from the crane,” Greene says. “No other injuries or operational impacts have been reported in relation to this incident. We are collaborating fully with the regulatory authorities as they carry out their investigation.”

My opinion

Questions to be asked;

• Were there written procedures to cover the dismantling of the crane?
• Was the worker given adequate training on the process?
• Where was the supervisor?
• Why was he/she put at risk in the first place?

Too bad these questions were not asked and answered before the work was started.

HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.

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Ensure your workplace is a safe place.

Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”

‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.

Daniel L. Beal

CHSEP – Advanced Level
CEO & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.