City issues statement on death of Elgin pedestrian

Today, the City of Greater Sudbury issued a statement regarding the death of a 58-year-old pedestrian on Elgin Street yesterday.

The city confirmed the Ontario Ministry of Labour is investigating the fatality and offered its apologies to the family and friends of the victim.

The city also described its responsibilities when it comes to overseeing contract work undertaken on its behalf, pointing out it is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure Occupational Health and Safety Act and other provincial regulations are followed.

However, the city must provide project management, saying its inspectors ensure the quality of the work is up to standards and meets contract requirements.

The full statement appears below:

The Ontario Ministry of Labour is continuing its investigation at the site of a pedestrian fatality that occurred Wednesday afternoon in the area of the Elgin Street Water Main Improvement Contract. Our sincere condolences are extended to the friends and family of the woman who lost her life.

As outlined in the contract, the company engaged in construction is responsible for work site safety under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other provincial regulations for construction projects. In the case of the Elgin Street Water Main project, Interpaving Limited is the company engaged in construction.

Under provincial regulation, the company engaged in construction must design and follow a traffic protection plan which includes pedestrian safety.

The City provides project management of a construction contract as a whole, but cannot direct how the work is carried out. The City employs inspectors to monitor construction sites for quality of workmanship and for meeting the technical requirements of a contract.

The City cannot comment further on the details of the Elgin Street construction project during the Ministry of Labour investigation. Construction in this area is on hold pending the Ministry of Labour investigation.

Traffic detours remain in place. Elgin Street is closed between Elm and Ste. Anne Road. The Elgin and Beech Street intersection remains closed.