Union calls for ministry to carry out safety review at National Steel Car after 2 deaths
Fraser Cowan died on Sept. 2, 2020 and Collin Grayley died on April 23, says USW
United Steelworkers (USW) is calling on the Ministry of Labour to carry out a health and safety review at National Steel Car following the workplace deaths of two employees.
The USW says Fraser Cowan died on Sept. 2, 2020, and Collin Grayley died on April 23, 2021.
"Our condolences and support go out to Fraser's and Collin's families," UWS's Ontario director Marty Warren stated in a media release.
"I am deeply concerned. Two fatalities within eight months is cause for alarm. I am calling on the Ministry of Labour to conduct an immediate and thorough review of the health and safety program at this workplace."
A spokesperson for the ministry confirmed investigations are ongoing into two deaths at the railcar maker.
Police previously said a 51-year-old was killed on Sept. 2, 2020.
Initial information described a large metal item striking and killing the worker, police said at the time, adding the man was working with the item that struck him.
Ministry spokesperson Kalem McSween said two inspectors visited the scene following the incident and issued four orders and three requirements. That investigation is ongoing.
Two inspectors were also sent to National Steel Car in April following an incident the ministry said has been confirmed by the coroner as a workplace fatality.
An inspector and engineer issued two orders following a visit on April 28, according to McSween.
National Steel Car issued a statement through lawyers stating the company is committed to health and safety and is cooperating with the ministry's investigation into Grayley's death.
"The deaths of Mr. Cowan and Mr. Grayley were tragic, but not the result of an unsafe workplace," it read.
"It is clear from USW's statement that they understandably share this commitment to their members. National Steel Car and USW have this goal in common."
The USW said it will also be carrying out its own investigation and will make recommendations with the goal of protecting workers.
"When we say an injury to one is an injury to all, we mean it," said Warren. "The province's attorney general must direct law enforcement and Crown prosecutors to do more to ensure justice. Fraser Cowan's and Collin Grayley's families deserve no less."
National Steel Car is currently closed, following an order from public health amid a COVID-19 outbreak.
The rail car fabricator voluntarily shut down, but health officials have directed it to limit staffing to the "minimum number of employees" on May 4.
A notice on the company's website advises staff it had decided to suspend operations for another week "out of an abundance of caution," with plans to resume on May 17.