The tragic accident at Arjon Contsruction Ltd.'s Whispering Hills gravel pit that claimed the life of Innisfail teen Christopher Lawrence has drawn strong attention to workplace safety.
“We are saddened at the tragedy of the death of Chris Lawrence,” said Brad Lafortune, spokesperson for the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL). “Earlier this year, we drew attention to the issue of safety issues for workers aged 15 to 17 and look to the provincial government to review the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation to protect young workers more adequately.”
While the record of workplace safety has been good in Alberta, he added, “One fatality is too many.”
The AFL is calling for stricter regulations on training and supervision of adolescent workers aged 15 to 17, in addition to a cross-Canada comparison of regulations governing their employment.
Meanwhile, in response to the death of 15-year-old Lawrence, and the ongoing investigation by OHS, Darryl Wiebe, manager of Calgary-based Arjon Construction Ltd., issued a statement on their behalf on July 22.
“I want to express our sincerest condolences to the family of Christopher Lawrence. We have taken steps to determine how and why it occurred and will ensure that such an event does not occur again, “ said Wiebe in his statement.
“Our company has never before experienced a workplace accident of this kind,” he continued. “Christopher was a hard-working motivated young man and we were all privileged to know him.”
The young worker was killed at Arjon's Wintering Hills gravel site near East Coulee, between Drumheller and Bassano, early in the morning of July 19 when his clothing got entangled in a conveyor belt.
According to Brook Merritt, OHS spokesperson, the investigation is in its preliminary stage “but they do have questions that will be answered.
“We are concerned about the safety of young workers in the workplace, especially in environments like gravel pits and construction sites,” said Merritt. “We are taking this accident seriously and offer our sincere condolences to Chris' family and co-workers.”
In addition Arjon's statement, Wiebe added that grief counselors have been meeting with employees who were present on-site when the accident occurred on July 19.
“We don't know what he was doing there,” said Wiebe, who noted Lawrence was a labourer on-site and trained to not go in the area where the conveyor belt was. “We are still looking for answers.”
Regardless of the issues surrounding his step-son's passing, Dave Sutherland is thankful for the support he has received from friends, family and provincial organizations.
“The Workers Compensation Board, Victims Services, and OHS have been there for us,” said Sutherland. “Whatever we need, all we have to do is ask.”
Nicole Blauel, the deceased's mother, said her son was a “free spirit” but an intelligent youth who chose to learn by “doing.”
She noted that one of the last things he told her was that “she (girlfriend) made me want to be a better person,” and had been a positive influence on her son.
Chris' grandmother, Doreen Mardian, remembered he was a “very strong-willed young man” who wanted to do things his way. She added that he “was a hugger who always had a good word for everyone.
“Chris was a mechanically inclined young man who would take anything apart,” said Sutherland. “He used to spend time with his grandfather who was a mechanic and even had his own tools as a young boy. When he was younger he loved BMXing but later switched to skateboarding.”
Sutherland noted he and Chris “had their struggles” but the young teen knew “he had a safety net.”
Lawrence was one of four children in the blended household that included a 15-year old sister, and 13 and 19-year-old brothers.
“They were all very close in age, and of the kids, Chris was the one to go outside and do something after an hour of video games,” said Blauel. “He wanted to do things. “
She added that when he got his job at the gravel pit, he told her right away.
“We had a deal when he left home to stay in touch every two days at the most,” said Blauel. “He forgot to contact me once for almost a week. I found him. He never forgot again.”
Mardian said the tragedy of her grandson's death would leave a big “void in their lives and family gatherings.”
Lawrence's life was celebrated at Parkland Funeral Homes in Red Deer on July 27.
Please see column on page 7.
