Workplace incident is under investigation
One worker died at Irving Shipbuilding’s worksite in Nova Scotia, according to the company.
The incident happened on Monday, the company confirmed via social media platform X.
“Irving Shipbuilding is saddened to share that a workplace accident occurred at the Halifax Shipyard on the morning of February 19, resulting in the loss of one of our teammates,” it said.
“Our thoughts are with those impacted as we focus on providing the resources and support they need, including onsite and remote counselling services, in addition to leave of absence availability.”
The company did not provide further details about the incident, but it cancelled the second shift (afternoon/night shift) and third shift (back shift) at all shipbuilding sites.
Workers’ union Unifor also extended condolences to the family of the worker.
“Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies and solidarity are with our member’s family and loved ones including their Unifor family and co-workers,” Unifor said in a press release.
“Unifor is working to ensure there is full-time, onsite grief counselling services available to all shipyard workers as they process this great loss.”
Nova Scotia Department of Labour is investigating the workplace incident, said spokesperson Monica MacLean in a Global News report.
“The first concern is working with the family and making sure they have the support they need, and then gathering the information to find out what happened,” she said.
She said the next of kin had been notified.
Irving Shipbuilding is also cooperating with the department in its ongoing investigation, the company said via X.
Unifor is also participating in the labour’s department’s investigation.
“Unifor is also working alongside the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, police, and the employer,” it said. “The union has trained investigators and health and safety experts who ensure proper steps are taken following a workplace injury or death.”
Unifor represents more than 1,150 workers at the Halifax Shipyard.
