Worker who died at National Steel Car identified

National Steel Car says Quoc Le is the worker who died on the job at the rail carmaker Monday night.

The 51-year-old is the third National Steel Car employee to die following an incident at the Kenilworth Avenue North plant in the last two years.

By email, National Steel Car confirmed the death and said Le was a valued employee" who tragically lost his life."

The company said it is investigating how Le died, but cannot yet offer further details about what happened.

When asked about plant safety in the context of the three recent fatalities, the company said via email, National is committed to ensuring the safest possible workplace for its employees."

Emergency services were called to the Kenilworth property around 7:50 p.m. June 6 and the injured man was transported by paramedics without vital signs to a local trauma centre.

Hamilton police said the incident involved a 2,000-pound bulkhead" that fell on the worker.

Police are not involved in the death investigation, which is being handled by the provincial Ministry of Labour and coroner's office. The Spectator is awaiting comment from the ministry.

National Steel Car cancelled its Monday night shift as well as its day and night shifts Tuesday, according to a post on the company Facebook page.

The Spectator has reached out for comment to the union for National Steel Car workers, USW Local 7135 - as well as the national body, which previously asked for a thorough review of health and safety" at the plant.

This is the third death in a little less than two years at National Steel Car.

Crane operator Fraser Cowan - a 51-year-old father of two - died on the job Sept. 2, 2020.

Nearly eight months later, on April 23, 2021, painter Collin Grayley also died on the job.

National Steel Car faces charges under the Occupational Health and Safety Act in both cases that remain before the courts.

More to come.