Snow removal processes, equipment under review after death at Halifax Shipyard, says Labour department

CITYnews halifax / By Dan Ahlstrand

Halifax Regional Police and the Department of Labour are continuing investigations into Monday’s death at the Irving Shipyard in Halifax.

Police have said the 43-year-old worker was struck by a piece of equipment and pronounced dead at the scene just before noon on Monday.

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the department said its safety officers are actively investigating the death.

“A Stop Work Order has been issued, and a review is underway of existing safe work procedures around snow removal processes, and mechanical assessment of the equipment involved,” said labour department spokesperson Monica MacLean.

In a release earlier Tuesday, Halifax Regional Police said it is also investigating the death.

The union representing 1,100 shipyard workers, Unifor, says grief counsellors are being made available to workers.

Irving says it is fully cooperating with the investigation.