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Calgary man, 47, killed in workplace incident near Fox Creek

A 47-year-old Calgary man died Sunday after he was injured on a Shell worksite near Fox Creek.

Occupational Health and Safety says the incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. when workers were pumping water to another site.

"The pump started revving and when workers went to investigate, a hose on the pump let go and hit one of the workers," said Lauren Welsh, a spokeswoman for Alberta Labour.

The worker, a contractor employed by Secure Energy Services based in Calgary, was treated on scene and taken to hospital in Fox Creek where he died later that day. No one else was injured in the incident.

The man had worked with Secure Energy Services for a year.

Rene Amirault, the company president and CEO, said this was the first time an employee had been killed in a workplace accident.

"Our thoughts are with the family, friends and coworkers of the deceased as we work through this difficult time," Amirault said in a news release.

Shell Canada also expressed its condolences to the man's family.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of an industry colleague, and our thoughts are with the family," said Murray Elliott, Shell general manager, Greater Deep Basin, in a written statement.

"The safety of our staff, contractors and neighbours is our top priority in everything we do. We are working closely with the parties involved to gather more information and learn from this incident."

Occupational Health and Safety has launched an investigation. The work site has been shut down. Shell and Secure Energy Services are cooperating with the investigation.

Both companies are offering counselling to affected employees. Secure Energy Services had approximately 18 to 21 workers on site.