Working Alone Safety Policy questions raised after city employee dies of medical emergency at Oakridge Community Recreation Centre on Pharmacy Avenue

Questions about the City of Toronto’s Working Alone Safely Policy have been raised after a city employee died as the result of a medical emergency while on the job at the Oakridge Community Recreation Centre in southwest Scarborough on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 21.

In a statement released by the union representing the city’s inside workers, CUPE Local 79 said it was “deeply troubling’ that the worker was alone at the time of the fatal medical emergency.

“We are heartbroken to confirm that one of our members, a City of Toronto recreation worker, died early this morning while at work at the Oakridge Community Recreation Centre,” said the CUPE Local 79 statement on Wednesday morning.

“We mourn the loss of a colleague and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones and coworkers. This tragedy also demands answers. It is deeply troubling that this worker was working alone. The City of Toronto has a Working Alone policy intended to protect workers and ensure immediate assistance in the event of an emergency. CUPE Local 79 will be working with the City of Toronto to ensure that this policy is enforced and whether it is adequate to protect workers.”

Both Toronto police and the Ontario Ministry of Labour were called to the scene of the worker’s death on Jan. 21. The Oakridge Community Recreation Centre is located at 63 Pharmacy Ave., just north of Danforth Avenue.

The City of Toronto told Beach Metro Community News in a statement on Thursday, Jan. 22, that both police and the Ministry of Labour, with the city’s full cooperation, have “completed their investigation and confirmed that this was a medical emergency.”

The city offered its condolences to the workers family, friends and colleagues.

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of a valued City of Toronto Parks & Recreation employee yesterday morning following a medical emergency at his workplace at Oakridge Community Recreation Centre,” said Russell Baker, Director of Media Relations and Issues Management, City of Toronto in the statement

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues. We recognize the emotional impact this loss may have and are committed to supporting our employees and other impacted individuals during this difficult time.”

Baker said the Working Alone Safety Policy will be discussed at an upcoming meeting between the city and union officials.

“The Working Alone Safely Policy will be tabled at the next Occupational Health and Safety Coordinating Committee meeting, comprised of union and management staff, who will collectively determine appropriate next steps,” he said.