Feds brought in to investigate man injured in forklift accident

Worker was rushed to hospital and later released after incident at International Centre

The federal government is now investigating a serious incident at the International Centre in Mississauga that sent a worker to hospital after he was hit with a forklift.

On Monday, a worker was directing a forklift driver and the driver accidentally pushed the worker up against the safety railings, according to information provided to Michael Prescott, International Centre CEO. The driver immediately backed up and released the worker, who suffered “a blow” to the chest and abdomen area.

The injured man was rushed to Sunnybrook hospital by Peel paramedics.

“We can report that his X-ray results did not indicate any serious injuries and he was released from the hospital the same day,” Prescott said in a statement, refuting earlier reports from witnesses that the man was trapped or pinned under the forklift.

“The accident was deemed driver error and no charges were brought against the International Centre,” he added.

Both the driver and injured worker were employed by an outside supplier to the International Centre.

Ontario’s Ministry of Labour said the incident falls under federal jurisdiction and said Employment and Social Development Canada is now investigating.

“The Government of Canada believes every employee has the right to a healthy and safe workplace, and to return home safely at the end of their work day,” spokesperson Christopher Simard said. “The labour program is currently conducting an investigation. As a result, we cannot comment on this case.”

Prescott said the International Centre takes workplace safety issues seriously.