Algoma Steel charged in connection with June 2023 death of contract worker

Algoma Steel charged in worker's death Algoma Steel in the Sault has been charged by the province over the 2023 death of a contract employee.

Ontario’s Ministry of Labour has charged Algoma Steel with three violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act in connection with the death of Damien Bryant in June 2023.

Bryant was working at the steel plant as a contractor for GFL Environmental when he lost consciousness while cleaning an out-of-service gas line. He later died in hospital.

"Algoma Steel emergency services personnel responded immediately with assistance from Sault Ste. Marie Fire and Paramedic Services,” the company said at the time.

“The worker was transported to Sault Area Hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.”

Algoma Steel was charged May 2 under section 25 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, including one count of failing to provide information, instruction and supervision to a worker to protect the health and safety of a worker in a confined space.

The company was also charged with failing to ensure that the provisions of s. 4(2) of Ontario Regulation 632/05 were complied with and for failing to ensure that the provisions of s. 17 of Ontario Regulation 632/05 were complied with.

“As these matters are before the courts, the ministry cannot comment further,” the province said in an email to CTV News.

Algoma Steel has not yet replied to a message from CTV News seeking comment.

Bryant left behind a one-year-old daughter. A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $88,000, money that will go to his mother.