By Justin Goulet (@JustinGoulet21)

Investigation continues into fatality at Lethbridge water treatment facility

Mar 13, 2019 | 9:32 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) continues to investigate what exactly happened at a Lethbridge water treatment plant earlier this month.

On Friday, March 1, a 51-year-old male died at the site near Indian Battle Park.

Trent Bancarz, a spokesperson for Alberta Labour said OHS does not reveal the names of workers, therefore the victim’s name in this incident will not be released.

Bancarz previously told LethbridgeNewsNOW that a wheeled piece of equipment called a tele-handler struck the victim, who succumbed to injuries he suffered.

He said OHS is not sure where the man lived, but confirmed that he was employed by Hire Standard, Inc., a temporary staffing firm.

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OHS had issued two Stop Work Orders to the prime contractor, who Bancarz identified as Maple Reinders Group, related to the tele-handler.

The orders were put in place so the contractor could provide proof of adequate worker safety training and evidence that manufacturer’s specifications are being followed.

Bancarz said that the orders were complied with on March 10 and have since been removed.

As for the exact cause of the accident, he said as the investigation is ongoing, “it would be inappropriate to speculate about further actions or the cause of the incident.”

Bancarz added that Maple Reinders Group has a “relatively good safety record and low injury rate.” The company’s OHS employer record can be viewed via this link. 

-With files from Lara Fominoff