Employee shocked while working on an electrical panel
Employees at the Kubota Materials plant in Orillia were evacuated last Thursday following a workplace incident that left one worker injured from an electric shock while working on an electrical panel, and two others suffering from smoke inhalation, according to a statement from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development.
The incident prompted a swift response from provincial police after receiving a call about a potential electrocution at the Kubota plant located on Commerce Drive shortly before noon.
Provincial police reported the electric shock not only injured one worker but also caused a temporary power outage at the plant, affecting its operations. Emergency services arrived promptly at the scene, and the injured workers were transported to a local hospital as a precautionary measure.
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development dispatched two ministry inspectors and an engineer to investigate the circumstances surrounding the workplace incident.
"As the ministry's investigation is ongoing, we are not able to provide further information at this time," reads a statement from the ministry. They emphasized the importance of a comprehensive investigation to ensure workplace safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Kubota Materials has not released an official statement regarding the incident, but they have cooperated with the Ministry of Labour's investigation.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining safe working conditions and adhering to safety protocols in industrial settings. The Ministry of Labour's investigation will help shed light on what transpired on that fateful day at the Kubota plant and contribute to preventing such accidents in the future.
