Investigation focuses on how pipe came to roll from the truck
One worker is dead and another seriously injured after they were struck by a piece of pipe at Cenovus Energy’s Christina Lake North oilsands site in northern Alberta, according to a recent report.
The incident happened on Jan. 29 near Christina Lake, about 150 kilometres south of Fort McMurray, reported CBC.
Pipe rolled off truck during unloading
Provincial government officials told CBC that the two workers were unloading a truck when a piece of pipe rolled off the vehicle and hit them both.
One worker sustained fatal injuries, while the second worker was seriously hurt. No additional information about the workers has been released, CBC reported.
Officials said Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) continues to investigate the circumstances of the incident, including how the pipe came to roll from the truck and whether required safety measures were in place at the time.
Cenovus confirms incident and offers condolences
Cenovus Energy confirmed the incident occurred at its Christina Lake North site.
“Cenovus is working with the appropriate authorities,” the company said, according to CBC. “We are deeply saddened by this incident and extend our profound sympathies to their families, friends and colleagues.”
The company said work was stopped immediately in the area where the incident took place, but broader operations at Christina Lake North have continued.
According to Cenovus, the workers involved were employed by a third-party contractor. The Calgary-based company declined to provide further details about the contractor or the workers.
The Christina Lake North death comes amid heightened concern over safety performance in Alberta’s oilsands region. CBC has noted that the Cenovus incident is one of several serious events in recent weeks.
Alberta states that, in recent years, there has been an average of about 50,000 work‑related injuries per year across all industries in the province.
Previously, one expert was calling for a change in leadership at the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), claiming that the government agency has significantly underestimated the frequency and size of tailings spills in the province’s oilsands region.
