Worker Dies as Heavy Equipment Sinks in Muskeg at Suncor Mine

A tragic incident occurred at Suncor’s Fort Hills site near Fort McMurray, Alberta, resulting in the death of a contractor. The accident took place on January 13, 2023, when the heavy equipment being operated by the worker sank into muskeg, a type of wetland.

Details of the Incident

According to statements from Alberta’s Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration department, emergency responders, including the RCMP and Suncor’s own teams, were deployed following the incident. While the worker was operating heavy machinery near a body of water, the individual remains unaccounted for despite ongoing search and recovery efforts.

Investigation Underway

Suncor indicated that the circumstances of the death are currently under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the incident might have been linked to a medical event affecting the worker.

Historical Context of Safety at Fort Hills

This incident is not isolated. Suncor’s Fort Hills site has a concerning safety record. In 2019, Jonathan Murphy tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle, and in the following year, two workers were killed when a bulldozer collided with a pickup truck.

Support for Family and Colleagues

In light of the recent tragedy, Suncor expressed condolences. “Our thoughts are with the individual’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” the company stated.

Ongoing Investigation

• The accident occurred on January 13, 2023.
• The worker’s identity has not been disclosed.
• An investigation by Occupational Health and Safety is currently underway.

Fort Hills mine is located approximately 525 kilometers north of Edmonton and employs various contractors and workers in its operations. Safety remains a critical concern in the industry, and this incident highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and improvement in workplace practices.