The Standards, Equity, Health and Safety Commission (CNESST) published the conclusions of its investigation into the accidental death of worker Martin Tremblay at a Hydro-Québec construction site north of Baie-Comeau on July 19, 2021.
The investigation shows that the heavy machinery operator lost control of his truck on a curve after descending a steep slope at a clearing site for the Micoua-Saguenay line project.
The CNESST specifically indicating that the lacking design and signage of the path being traversed would cause the driver to descend too quickly down the slope and produce a fatal exit from the road.
The Commission indicated that it was quick to request that the main contractor, Hydro-Québec, put up adequate signage and protection on the sides of canals more than three meters deep. The investigation report indicates that the Crown corporation complied with the requirements issued.
The investigation report also criticizes the lack of training required to handle a heavy vehicle such as the dump truck operated by Mr. Tremblay when he died.
The CNESST urges the government to re -examine the type of driver’s license required to drive a heavy vehicle. Currently, all holders of a Class 5 license, the type of license required to drive a regular passenger vehicle, are considered eligible to drive a tool vehicle.
The CNESST confirms that it will soon send its investigation report to several organizations such as the Commission de la construction du Québec as well as the Parity committee for the prevention of the forest sector so that their members know the conclusions of the investigation.
Source: Radio-Canada
