Labour Ministry probes death at trailer maker

Owner said his understanding was a worker fell off a forklift as a result of a heart attack

The provincial Labour Ministry is investigating after a man fell off a forklift at an east-end trailer manufacturer Friday and later died.

The owner of Kangaroo Trailers, David Smith, confirmed Monday a worker had died — but added his understanding was the man suffered a “massive heart attack” and did not fall as a result of a workplace injury.

“He was on a fork truck, suffered a heart attack and fell to the ground,” Smith said by phone Monday.

He said he would not name the employee at the request of family, but added his death was being mourned by co-workers at the Woodward Avenue business.

The company makes custom trailers for uses like vehicle hauling, construction and tiny homes.

Hamilton police said officers responded to a 911 call about a “workplace incident” at 829 Woodward Ave. on Friday shortly after 3 p.m. and found a “critically injured” 45year-old man.

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development said via email it has assigned inspectors to investigate the incident.

The agency said the incident was reported as a worker “injured while operating equipment,” who later died.

“Our sincere condolences to their family, friends and co-workers,” reads the email.

Provincial inspectors issued two “requirements” to the employer, but the ministry did not specify what it has required the business to do.

The Labour Ministry investigation continued Monday, but the provincial Office of the Chief Coroner determined the death was not suspicious.

Hamilton police previously aided an investigation of a workplace death involving a man struck by a forklift at Janco Steel last April. That death was classified by police as a fatal collision.

In this case, the Hamilton police service said it will have “no further involvement” in the death investigation.

The Labour Ministry investigation continued Monday, but the provincial Office of the Chief Coroner determined the death was not suspicious