Construction accident on James St. sends a man to hospital

An accident at the 186 James St. construction site between Bay and Percy on Sept. 13 sent a man to the hospital with possible head injuries, confirmed the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

The incident was first tweeted by a witness on scene, who said he saw a shovel fall on a construction worker’s head, as a backhoe was being unloaded from a trailer. 

The witness, who wished to remain unidentified, added that the worker was not wearing a hardhat at the time.

The Ministry of Labour clarified on Sept. 15 that a backhoe bucket fell on the worker’s head, not a shovel.

The injured worker is employed at M&M Concrete Pumping Inc. and the company has been issued a stop-work order for the backhoe in question, putting it out of operation until the order is lifted. 

The Ministry of Labour is currently investigating the accident, said construction health and safety inspector Brent Tureski. 

Construction on James Street began in June 2014 after the city approved the expansion of a three-unit building and development of two additional parking spots.

Roads in the area remain open following the incident, according to Ottawa Traffic. 

No word yet on the victim’s condition.

More details to follow.