04.05.2016

Crane worker killed in Canada

A man has died while working with a crane, on a job site near Blackfalds in Alberta Canada.

The incident happened at Nova Chemicals' PE1 Expansion Project at the company's Joffre Site halfway situated half way between Calgary and Edmonton. The man was struck by a piece of equipment while dismantling a crane. The man's name and age have not yet been released. It is also not known which company he worked for.

"The worker was transported to Red Deer Hospital but he died on the way," said Alberta Labour spokesperson Lauren Welsh. "OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) officers are on site and they will be investigating."
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A crane worker has been killed on the Nova Chemicals' PE1 Expansion Project at the company's Joffre Site

The Joffre Site is one of the largest ethylene and polyethylene production complexes in the world, comprising five manufacturing facilities.

A statement from Bill Greene, senior vice president of Nova Chemicals said:
"At approximately 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 27, there was an industrial accident at our Nova Chemicals PE1 Expansion Project construction site at our Joffre Site manufacturing facilities. While working on a stationary crane at the construction site, a contractor came in contact with equipment resulting in severe trauma. Nova Chemicals Joffre Site emergency personnel responded to the incident and rescued the worker from the crane. Paramedics transported the worker to the Red Deer Regional Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries."

"Work was suspended at the PE1 construction site and the site was secured and investigation has begun. 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."

"This is an extremely sad day at Nova Chemicals. Our belief is that every employee and contractor must go home safely - today that didn't happen. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and co-workers of the worker. As we recognize that during a difficult time like this, distractions can easily happen, we want to encourage employees to remain vigilant and look out for one another. Our first priority is always the safety of our employees, contractors and the community."

NovaChemicals - headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada - is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC) of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.