The Ministry of Labour has confirmed a worker at Algoma Steel sustained a critical injury while on the job yesterday.
Algoma Steel confirmed on Wednesday that a worker was hurt in an industrial accident that occurred on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development of Ontario (MOL) said a worker was critically injured while handling material.
An injury is defined as critical if it:
- places life in jeopardy
- produces unconsciousness
- results in substantial loss of blood
- involves the fracture of a leg or arm, but not a finger or toe
- involves the amputation of a leg, arm, hand or foot but not a finger or toe
- consists of burns to a major portion of the body
- causes the loss of sight in an eye
MOL spokesperson Manuel Alas-Sevillano said an inspector was assigned as a result of the incident and two orders and a requirement were issued to Algoma Steel by the ministry.
Asked for details about the orders and requirement, Alas-Sevillano said the ministry's investigation is ongoing.
"No further information can be provided at this time," he said.
Earlier today, an Algoma Steel spokesperson said an employee sustained an injury while preparing scrap for its operations and required medical attention.
"We are supporting the individual and investigating the incident in accordance with our health and safety procedures," said Laura Devoni, director of strategy, corporate affairs and sustainability at Algoma Steel.
In April, a worker was injured at the plant when water from heavy rain came into contact with molten slag. After a February explosion at Algoma Steel, five steelworkers were taken to Sault Area Hospital and released, while seven other employees were 'impacted' but not sent to hospital.
In June of last year, 21-year-old contract worker Damien Bryant died on the job while cleaning a coke-oven gas line.
— with files from David Helwig.