A worker at a Suncor oilsands operation in northern Alberta was killed on the job by a black bear, the energy giant has confirmed.
The attack on the female employee occurred Wednesday afternoon in a remote part of the main plant, called the North Steepbank Mine, about 25 kilometres north of Fort McMurray.
The woman was attacked by a mature male black bear and pronounced dead at the scene. Her name is being withheld.
The RCMP and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development were called to the scene, and moved in to find the animal. When they did, they report it was very aggressive and they shot it dead.
“This is an absolutely tragic event,” Suncor spokesperson Sneh Seetal told CTV Edmonton. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families.”
Seetal said Suncor is working with authorities to investigate the incident and determine how the attack occurred. She added that the company does offer wildlife training to its employees, including how to alert others of any bear sightings.
Barrie Harrison with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety, says companies are required to have procedures in place to assess and handle any possible hazards. He said that in the years he's been with Occupational Health and Safety, he's not aware of any other bear attacks on workers.
“Part of the job we'll be doing and working with Suncor (to) determine what sort of procedures are in place and whether there was anything possibly that could have been done to avoid this from happening,” Harrison said.
He added that the investigation could take several weeks.
“Clearly, we owe it to this worker and her friends and coworkers to take a the time we need to get the details and have a greater understanding of everything that led to this incident. And furthermore, ensure that something like this doesn't happen again."
Fish and wildlife officers have a forensic unit on scene, which will check if the bear was tagged, and try to track the bear's prior movement and any previous run-ins with people.
It’s too early to say if Suncor could face any charges.
In a statement, Suncor Executive Vice-President Mark Little said the company is “shocked by this very unusual incident.”
“There are no words to express the tragedy of this situation,” Little said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to family, friends and co-workers.
“All of us need to focus on personal safety and I would urge everyone to be extremely vigilant in dealing with wildlife,” Little added.
With files from The Canadian Press
