Construction Accidents: Two Workers Killed at Construction Site

Two Chinese workers were killed at Canadian Natural's $10.8-billion Horizon oilsands project and the event has caused critics to ask for a review of Canada's temporary foreign worker program. Brett Taylor, a witness to the accident, said, "I heard a big snap, and that was the cable. I looked over and could see the entire thing just twist and the roof pulled out and slammed right down on everybody." Four other Chinese workers were injured in the accident. Horizon is one of the largest construction companies in Canada.

Two Chinese Workers Die on Atla. Construction Site

Some labor groups say that Canadian Natural depends too much on foreign workers because of the labor shortage in northern Alberta. Gil McGowan, the president of the Alberta Federation of Labor, said that questions need to be asked of the accident: "For example, did these workers receive adequate health and safety training before they started working on a Canadian worksite?" he asked. "Were there issues related to language and communication that played a role? These are questions that aren't always addressed in ordinary health and safety investigations, but given the nature of this particular workplace accident, we think the investigative authorities need to leave no stone unturned."