Worker dies after being injured on the job at Stelco, ministry of labour investigating

Ontario's Ministry of Labour is investigating after a workerat Stelco was killed on Saturday.

The man's name was Kirk Moore and he had worked at the Hamilton steelmaker for more than 40 years, according to a statement from United Steelworkers(USW) Local 1005.

"He was well known and very popular with his co-workers," the union said.

"Kirk is survived by his sons, Paul and Chris. No family should ever have to experience this kind of devastation."

A representative for Stelco said therewas a "serious incident" at the company's Hamilton Works facility that involved a single employee on Saturday morning.

The worker was injured and later died, said Trevor Harris, vice-president of corporate affairs, in an email to the CBC.

"All of us at Stelco are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague," he said. "Our current focus is to support the worker's family during this tragic and difficult time."

The company said it's undertaking a "thorough and detailed" investigation to determine how the incident happened. It said it will continue to cooperate with authorities, including the Ministry of Labour, as they carry out their own probes.

Investigation is ongoing

The ministry confirmed it was notified of a workplace health and safety incident at Stelco on Jan. 15.

"A worker was critically injured and succumbed to their injuries," a spokesperson said.

Two ministry inspectors have been assigned and one requirement was issued. The investigation is ongoing.

Paul Miller, a former steelworker and NDP MPP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, called the incident "tragic and needless."

"I, and many who worked and continue to work in this industry, know how quickly something can go terribly wrong," he said in a Facebook post. "That being said, these workplace accidents should never be tolerated or accepted as a part of the job. I have seen my fair share of workplace injury and death and know the devastation it causes.

A 'dark and difficult time'

"My thoughts are with the Moore family and everyone who knew this veteran of steel."

USW Local 1005 said the best way to honour Moore's memory is to ensure something like the incident that killed him can never happen again.

The union directed anyone struggling with what happened to contact905-547-1417 for help.

"When anyone goes to work, there should be no question that they are able to return safe and healthy," the union said in a statement.

"This is a very dark and difficult time for many of us."