Peterborough man killed at quarry

Ministry of Labour investigating after Peter borough man killed while working at Severn Quarry north of Or ill ia.

The O PP and the Ontario Ministry of Labour are investigating after a Peterborough man was killed on the job Monday in Severn Township north of Orillia.

The death happened Monday afternoon at Walker Aggregates’ Severn Quarry, about 135 kilometres northwest of Peterborough, confirmed Ken Lucy shyn, executive vice-president of aggregate sand construction for Walker Industries.

A 31- year-old man, originally from Peter borough but most recently living in Orillia, died at the scene.

Lucyshyn added the victim was a nearly five-year veteran at the quarry and an employee of Walker.

“A family guy. We’re really sad about that,” Lucyshyn said. “All our real concerns are is to take care of the family.”

The company is also looking after the about 25 employees who work at the Severn Quarry.

“We shut the quarry down today and we have them all huddled up with some grief counsellors,” Lucyshyn said.

Police, Severn firefighters and Sim co e County Emergency Medical Service all attended the scene.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

Located on the Card en Plain, the Severn Quarry began operation in 1999. The Walker website indicates the local asphalt, concrete and road construction industries a reserved by the extraction of the Bob cay ge on and Gull river formations.

Investigators from the OPP and the Ministry of Labour arrived on the scene late Monday afternoon, but darkness and weather conditions soon halted their progress.

The scene remained secured overnight and crews were back at it Tuesdaymorning.

Exactly how them an died has not been made public, just that he was killed using a piece of machinery.

The ministry appears to be focusing its attention on the conveyors.

Ministry spokeswoman Janet De line said there have been two orders issued by the ministry to the company in the aftermath of the incident.

“No work shall be carried out on conveyors until effective precautions are in place to prevent injury to a worker from moving parts,” Deline said. “And the employer shall ensure all workers at the site receive training on conveyor safety requirements.”

Deline also said ministry inspectors issued two stop work orders pertaining to the scene of the incident and three requirements to provide further documentation.

Walker is committed to determining what Lucyshyn could only refer to as a tragedy.

“We will do our own internal investigation as well ,” he said. “We’ll be working side-by-side.”

Along with the ministry, Orillia OPP, Orillia OPP crime unit and Central Region Forensic Identification Unit continue to investigate the incident.

Whether or not charges will be laid in the incident remains to be seen.

The Ministry of Labour has one year from the time of the incident to issue charges if it deems them to be warranted.