Construction worker injured after being struck by vehicle on eastbound Hwy. 403 in Burlington
Posted October 11, 2024 6:43 am.
Last Updated October 11, 2024 5:55 pm.
A construction worker is fighting for his life after being struck by an SUV on the eastbound portion of Highway 403 in Burlington.
Ontario Provincial Police say around 4 a.m. a vehicle entered the construction zone and struck a construction boom vehicle, injuring the worker who was taken to a hospital in Hamilton.
While the damage to the grey Buick SUV was extensive the driver walked away with minor injuries.
A long stretch of the highway near Waterdown Road was closed for more than eight hours as police investigated the crash.
Police say they are considering several possibilities as they investigate including a mechanical failure, a medical episode, and whether speed and alcohol may have played a role in the crash.
The Ontario Ministry of Labour has also been called in to investigate.
“Incidents like these are a tragic reminder of the risks construction workers face daily,” Steven Crombie with the Ontario Road Builders’ Association tells CityNews.
“Ontario and Prince Edward Island are the only two provinces in the country that don’t extend a slow down, move over protection provision – which extend to tow truck drivers and first responders – they don’t extend to road maintenance workers and road construction workers,” said Crombie, who added they are currently working with the Ford government to implement safety laws around construction zones on our roads and highways.
“When passing construction zones, proceed with caution. These are people’s mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters and this is their workspace,” he said.