US treasury rules scupper Pfizer–Allergan merger

A man has died on the job near Blackfalds, Alta. just north of Red Deer. (Occupational Health and Safety)

A contractor has been killed on a job site near Blackfalds, Alta.

The accident happened about 9 a.m. Wednesday at Nova Chemicals' PE1 Expansion Project at the company's Joffre Site.

Alberta Labour spokesperson Lauren Welsh said workers were taking apart a crane when a piece of equipment hit the man.

"The worker was transported to Red Deer Hospital but he died on the way," Welsh said. "OHS [Occupational Health and Safety] officers are on site and they will be investigating."

The man's name and age have not yet been released. It's also not known which company he worked for.

The fatality came just one day before the April 28 National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job.

"Certainly a day that we believe is important to recognize," said Nova Chemicals' Joffre Site leader Rick Van Hemmen. "And it's important to do all we can, in any type of business, any industry, to prevent workplace accidents. This is definitely a somber message to add at this time."

He said work at the site has been suspended pending the investigation.

According to Nova's website, the Joffre Site is one of the largest ethylene and polyethylene production complexes in the world, comprising five manufacturing facilities.


Blackfalds is about 140 kilometres south of Edmonton and 15 kilometres north of Red Deer. (Google Maps)