Nova Scotia's Labour Department investigating the incident
A Nova Scotia Power technician who was working on a power line outside a home in Upper Sackville, N.S., died on the job on Friday, according to a report.
The deceased was 35-year-old Chris Perks, according to a CTV News report. Perks leaves behind his partner Katie, his brother, and his father.
Police received a report of a "possible electrocution" on Wineberry Way and were dispatched at approximately 2:30 p.m., reported CBC, citing a statement from RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Chris Marshall.
"When our members arrived at the scene, it was determined that a lineman, [a] man ... appeared to have been electrocuted and EHS transported him from the scene to the hospital." The man died after coming into contact with an energized line, according to a statement from Nova Scotia's Labour Department, which has taken over the investigation.
"We send our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones," said the statement. "The situation is under investigation and no further details are available at this time."
Nova Scotia Power is cooperating with the investigation, reported CBC.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our power line technicians. On behalf of the entire team, we offer our sincere condolences to our colleague's family. Safety is our number one priority and losing a team member is devastating for our entire organization,” says Peter Gregg, CEO of the company, according to the report.
Recently, a missing fisher was picked up off the Nova Scotia coast. Also, a worker died in Oshawa, Ont. after a workplace accident involving a piece of machinery.
Perks had worked for Nova Scotia Power for 12 years doing a variety of jobs. He received his Red Seal Certification as a lineman the day before the incident, reported CTV News, citing an interview with Doug Large, a friend of Perks.
“He had a great career ahead of him. He was doing the work he loved to do,” Large said. “His family has a history with NSP (Nova Scotia Power) that goes back years and years and years.”
Previously, British Columbia employer GFL Environmental Inc. was fined $73,429.93 after one of its workers suffered fatal injuries in the workplace. And Ontario employer Pathways to Independence has been fined $135,000 after one of its workers was fatally injured during an overnight shift.
