One worker killed at Markham work site

One worker has been killed and another is in serious condition after an aerial work platform toppled over at a construction site in Markham, Ont.

A construction worker from a nearby site told the Daily Commercial News that it appears the straight boom lift was moving either forward or backward on the sidewalk when the rear-left wheel rolled on to the flat top of a Bell media utility box.

The weight of the boom lift caused the wheel to break through the top of the box and the piece of equipment toppled over into the street.

The boom was not extended but the two workers were at a height of at least 30 feet, when they fell from the aerial platform to the road. One worker was declared dead at the scene and another was sent to hospital in serious condition.

The incident happened about 7 a.m. at the construction site of a new IMAX theatre at the corner of Birchmount Road and Enterprise Boulevard.

York Regional police have cordoned off the road in the area and the initial investigation has begun. The Ministry of Labour has been notified about the incident.

An aerial work platform is a mechanical device used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to inaccessible areas, usually at height. There are distinct types of mechanized access platforms. This includes straight booms, which are aerial work platforms with sections that extend telescopically.

These lifts offer greater horizontal outreach than any other type of aerial platform, allowing work to be undertaken in areas with limited access or where obstacles or terrain might otherwise hinder progress.

The new Cineplex Cinema in downtown Markham opened on April 3 and construction crews are currently doing finishing work on the project.

The theatre is at 179 Enterprise Blvd., near Warden Avenue and Hwy. 407 in the new Downtown Markham.