Saint John, NB: The Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC) is investigating a serious accident at the Grand Rivière Sawmill, near St-Léonard, New Brunswick.
A WHSCC officer was dispatched as soon as the accident was reported, at approximately 2:45 p.m. on April 17. A 34-year-old labourer suffered serious injuries when he was pulled under a conveyor belt at the sawmill. Co-workers administered first aid while waiting for the worker to be transported to the Edmundston Regional Hospital, where he remains unconscious and in critical condition.
An investigation is ongoing to determine whether there were violations to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. At this time, no orders have been written or charges laid.
Although it is too early to draw conclusions on this specific incident, the WHSCC reminds workplaces of safety requirements when working with sawmill equipment.