Ontario worker fell 23 feet through a roof onto concrete
An Ontario worker injured on the job last month is facing significant uncertainty about the support he will receive from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), according to a fundraising campaign launched on his behalf.
The incident occurred on Oct. 8, when ironworker Alex Jones fell 23 feet through a roof onto a concrete floor while working in Chelmsford.
The fall left him with severe injuries, including a broken arm, elbow, pelvis, and ribs, spinal fractures, punctured lungs, and a damaged spleen.
He remains hospitalised at Health Sciences North in Sudbury, where he has undergone surgery and continues intensive treatment and physiotherapy, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched by Jones’s family.
“Despite everything, Alex is showing remarkable strength and determination to recover so that he can be there for his young daughter Kiarra, who is in kindergarten,” the GoFundMe page states. “Their bond is incredibly strong, and her visits bring him hope and motivation every day. While Alex focuses on healing, his parents have stepped in to care for Kiarra full-time.”
The campaign notes that Jones has applied for WSIB benefits, but “the process can take time, and it’s still uncertain when he will begin to receive support.”
As the injured worker waits for support from the WSIB, the fundraising campaign is seeking to raise funds to:
- Help cover the cost of a semi-private hospital room so that Kiarra can visit her dad in a comfortable, calm environment.
- Support Kiarra’s daily needs while Alex is unable to work.
- Assist with bills and living expenses during Alex’s recovery, as his injuries have left him unable to earn an income.
“Alex has a tough road ahead, but with your support, we can help ease some of the financial and emotional burdens facing him and his family. Every donation—no matter how small—will go directly toward helping Alex heal and ensuring that Kiarra continues to feel supported and cared for during this difficult time,” the campaign states.
“Please consider donating, sharing this page, or sending a message of encouragement. Your kindness means the world to Alex, his family, and everyone who loves him.”
At the time of writing, the campaign has surpassed its goal of raising $7,000.
Employers’ responsibilities in case of worker injury
The WSIB reminds employers that, in the case of a workplace injury, they should:
- Submit a completed accident report within three business days after your reporting obligation begins.
- Report an injury or illness of anyone you employ in your business, including family, seasonal or temporary employees, certain domestic employees, people doing construction work, students, apprentices and training participants.
- Report all cases of needle stick injury, unless you have a surveillance protocol in place—that is, a formal process to test and monitor a person exposed to an infectious disease.
- If you are not sure whether the injury or illness is work-related, you should still report it to the WSIB. The WSIB makes the decision whether an injury or illness is work-related or not.
“It is against the law to discourage reporting of a workplace injury or illness,” the WSIB tells employers. “You could face a financial penalty as well as prosecution for not reporting, reporting late, not giving all the details requested, giving false or inaccurate details, or discouraging your employees from reporting.”
