BEAUCEVILLE, Que. – The Syndicat des Métallos/United Steelworkers union vows no efforts will be spared to investigate an explosion and fire at a wood-processing plant Monday that killed three workers and injured five others.
The explosion occurred after workers tried to control a fire that broke out while subcontractors were doing repair work on the roof of the Bois ouvré plant in Beauceville, south of Quebec City. The plant’s workers are represented by Steelworkers Local 9153.
“We will spare no effort to help everyone affected by this disaster,” said union representative François Cardinal. “Our support teams are on site. We will do everything we can to get to the bottom of what happened.”
An investigation by the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST), Quebec’s workplace health and safety regulator, is underway. Since the plant is classified as part of a priority sub-sector under the law, the union’s health and safety representatives will participate in the joint investigation with CNESST investigators.
“Our members are all in shock,” said Steelworkers Local 9153 President Eric Filion. “Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters, as well as their families and loved ones, and all of us who are affected by this tragedy. We will offer them any support they need.”
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