Province Concludes Workplace Safety Investigation into Worker Fatality

The Province has concluded its workplace safety investigation into the October 2024 death of an employee at the Walmart on Mumford Road in Halifax and found no violations.

The Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration’s safety branch conducted an extensive investigation into workplace conditions and the bakery oven involved in the incident.

Investigators determined the oven was in proper working order at the time of the incident, and no safety violations were identified that could have contributed to the worker’s death. The Department also found no broader safety concerns associated with the type of oven.

“Our thoughts remain with the worker’s family, friends and co-workers as they continue to cope with this tragic loss,” said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “Our responsibility is to understand what happened, determine whether safety requirements were met and use those findings to support future prevention efforts.”

The Department will continue to engage with and support the family as part of the conclusion of the investigative process.

Quick Facts:

• the Province investigates serious workplace incidents under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• investigations may involve co-ordination with police and the Medical Examiner Service
• the goal of workplace safety investigations is to determine whether laws were followed and identify opportunities to improve safety
• findings are shared with affected parties as investigations conclude
• Nova Scotia’s occupational health and safety laws apply to all workplaces in the province

Additional Resources:

Investigation process for workplace accidents and fatalities: https://novascotia.ca/workplace-accidents-and-fatalities-investigation-process/