An investigation has begun into the death of a Filipino worker in Alberta’s Lacombe County in Canada after he was hit and ran over by a skid steer loader while working on a poultry farm.
“One worker has died. Occupational Health and Safety does not disclose personal information that could identify workers involved in incidents. As this is an active investigation, no further details will be provided,” said Natasha McKenzie, spokesperson for the province’s occupational health and safety office.
The Philippine Consulate General in Calgary, which covers Alberta and Saskatchewan provinces, is in contact with the wife of the deceased via email, local media reports pointed out.
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Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an arm of the Philippine government which oversees benefits and services for registered Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), has also approached the family in the Philippines through its Region IV office, reported Inquirer.
The OFW, according to OWWA Vancouver, was an active member and his family is eligible for death benefits.
“An officer of the RCMP called the PCG to relay this sad news. According to the RCMP, he was a temporary foreign worker,” PCG Consul General Zaldy Patron reportedly said.
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“The family is requesting for the immediate repatriation of the remains to the Philippines. The PCG and OWWA Vancouver have relayed this to the employer and are regularly communicating with the company representative to get updates,” Patron added.
Awaiting the death certificates from Alberta Health Services and from the Alberta Vital Statistics Office, the OFW’s remains are currently at a funeral home in Calgary.
Once it receives these documents, PCG Calgary will register the death report and issue a mortuary certificate which is needed for repatriation of his remains, media reports said. (AW)
