Worker lost consciousness while cleaning an out-of-service gas line
Ontario employer Algoma Steel has been charged with three violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) for the death of one of its workers.
The incident happened in June 2023. The worker, named Damien Bryant, was working at the steel plant as a contractor for GFL Environmental.
On the day of the incident, he lost consciousness while cleaning an out-of-service gas line. He later died in hospital.
"Algoma Steel emergency services personnel responded immediately with assistance from Sault Ste. Marie Fire and Paramedic Services,” the company said at the time, according to CTV News.
“The worker was transported to Sault Area Hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.”
On May 2, Algoma Steel was charged May 2 under section 25 of the OHSA, including one count of failing to provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health and safety of a worker in a confined space.
The company was also charged with failing to ensure that the provisions of s. 4(2) of Ontario Regulation 632/05 were complied with and for failing to ensure that the provisions of s. 17 of Ontario Regulation 632/05 were complied with.
“As these matters are before the courts, the ministry cannot comment further,” the provincial government said in an email to CTV News.
Bryant left behind a one-year-old daughter, according to the report.
