Workplace fatalities in the span of a few days

Tuesday June 24, 2014 – A construction worker has lost his life after a deadly 22-storey plunge from the 26th floor of a downtown Toronto high rise yesterday afternoon while working at heights. Paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene at 2:30 pm. Co-workers say the man was installing railings and apparently was wearing a safety harness at the time of his fall. News reports say the man’s body laid a top a roof, partially visible by the street below for hours as the Ministry of Labour and Police investigated the scene.
The identity of the man has not yet been released but he is believed to be 22 years old. Sadly, this is the second death this year of a construction worker in the downtown core. Kevin Raposo fell 55 floors last August while working on a condo building. Raposo had just turned 29 years old.
Another person has also lost their life in a workplace fatality earlier today. Murat Budrra a horse exercise rider was pronounced dead at the scene, after the horse he was exercising had a heart attack, falling and crushing Budrra. He suffered head injuries, according to EMS on the scene.
While manufacturing, construction and transportation and storage remain the most dangerous job sectors in Canada, it’s important to remember that workplace fatalities can happen no matter what your occupation.
As we head into summer with a lot of young workers starting summer positions, it’s important to remember that young workers are at the most risk. According to the WSIB, approximately 36 young Ontario workers are injured, made ill or killed on the job every day.
There are a number of resources available to young and new workers to ensure they know their rights and how to stay safe on the job. The Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety has a number of resources for young workers, parents and employers to help prevent Workplace injuries and fatalities. Check out the Young Workers Zone, which provides real world stories to remind us that workplace fatalities are preventable.