WorkSafeBC investigating incident
A mill worker in British Columbia has died from drowning after a heavy equipment incident, according to multiple reports.
The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday at the Catalyst Pulp and Paper Mill in Crofton.
Around noon, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP responded to the site after receiving a report that a piece of heavy equipment had fallen into the ocean with the operator trapped inside.
Canadian Coast Guard divers attempted a rescue, but the man could not be revived, according to a report from the Times Colonist. Firefighters and paramedics also attended the scene, The Canadian Press reported via CBC News.
Chris Stoicheff, senior director of public affairs for mill owner Domtar, said in a statement that the company is “deeply saddened by this tragic loss of a valued member of our team,” according to the Times Colonist.
The company is also conducting its own investigation and co-ordinating with local emergency officials.
Stoicheff said the company has deployed personnel from its employee and family assistance programme to the site. Critical incident counsellors have also been made available to provide emotional support.
“Our top priority is the safety and security of our employees and the well-being of our employee’s family at this difficult time,” he said.
WorkSafeBC has launched a formal investigation into the incident.
“The primary purpose of a WorkSafeBC investigation is to identify the cause of the incident and any contributing factors, so that similar incidents can be prevented from happening in the future,” the agency said in a statement.
