Investigation into workplace death at Algoma Steel

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) has initiated an investigation into the death of a worker at Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on Thursday. Details surrounding the incident remain limited, leaving questions unanswered regarding the location of the accident and the employment status of the deceased individual.

Mike Da Prat, the president of United Steelworkers Local 2251, addressed the ongoing investigation during a phone interview with SooToday, stating, "right now, it's under investigation by the Ministry. I've got my health and safety chair there and a health and safety representative from the area, and the ministry is conducting private interviews."

Da Prat, who was informed about the distressing news late in the afternoon, expressed sorrow, emphasizing the union's persistent efforts to restore and enhance the health and safety program. "It absolutely is devastating," Da Prat lamented, "and that is why we have been fighting so hard and so long to get our health and safety program back on track."

An MLTSD spokesperson refrained from confirming the fatality at the plant in an email to SooToday, it was stated that a ministry inspector had been assigned and was en route to the scene. The spokesperson further added, "we are unable to confirm further details at this time."

Despite a request for comment from the local news outlet, Brenda Stenta, Algoma Steel's communications manager, has yet to respond to inquiries. Da Prat, too, refrained from delving into the incident until more facts are known, saying, "I would rather reserve that for a statement that I'm going to make in a day or two."

Algoma Steel has consistently emphasized its commitment to health and safety, with the company's president and CEO, Michael Garcia, previously stating during an investor conference call, "at Algoma, we believe in safety without compromise." The company has set "zero workplace injuries" as its goal.