The Ontario Ministry of Labour is investigating the workplace death of a Mexican migrant agriculture worker who was fatally injured on September 10, at an orchard operation near Belleville. Fausto Martinez-Izazaga, 38, died when an industrial water tank at the agriculture complex fell and crushed him.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Fausto Martinez-Izazaga, said UFCW Canada National President Wayne Hanley. “Our prayers and thoughts are with them in the wake of this tragedy.”
This latest fatality brings the toll to thirteen migrant workers killed this year working in the Ontario agriculture sector.
“It has been a devastating year in Ontario,” said Brother Hanley. “We are saddened by this terrible news and deeply concerned that another worker in Ontario agriculture has been killed. We have seen casualty rates continue to climb with little or no response from the federal or Ontario governments.”
“Safety enforcement as well as educational programs specific to the needs of the workers and the industry have failed to materialize. The number of workers not returning to their families will continue to grow if the rights and the risks to agriculture workers in Ontario continue to be ignored,” said the National President.