An employee of Les Constructions Unic was struck by a gravel loader on Thursday, June 27 while he was on the construction site of the municipal garage in Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs. Seriously injured, the 24-year-old man from Saint-Marc-du-Lac-Long was transferred to a hospital in the Quebec City region.
The Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) has opened an investigation. “During the operation, there was a reversing manoeuvre and the operator did not see the worker who was struck and crushed by the machinery,” emphasizes the head of communications at the CNESST, Yvon Grégoire.
The young man was seriously injured, but his life is not in danger. Two inspectors were tasked with investigating and gathering information. “The five people present on the site are shaken. We are still trying to understand what happened,” added Mr. Grégoire.
The worker was evacuated by ferry. According to our information, the victim waited for several minutes. The loader operator who works for Gravier Bérubé et Fils was not injured.
SCENE INTEGRITY
The scene, contrary to requirements, was not protected. The machinery was removed before the arrival of the representatives of the organization. Normally, in the event of a work accident, the employer must leave the scene intact.
“That’s not what happened here. The work was finished and the machinery was already scheduled to be moved off the island. Our inspectors were communicating with the employer at the same time to tell him not to touch anything,” added the CNESST communications manager.
The investigation to determine the causes and circumstances of the accident is continuing. The CNESST will submit its conclusions at a later date, generally within six months.
