Two members of UBC Local 675, Chris and Alejandro, demonstrated remarkable composure and concern for others during a tragic jobsite explosion last month in North York, Toronto.
“It was a regular day,” says Chris, as he recalls the events leading up to the incident. While waiting for the elevator alongside his coworker and fellow member Alejandro, they heard a large explosion from the floor above them, followed by a massive cloud of black smoke.
Hearing voices on the floor above, the two rushed up the stairwell. When they opened the door, an intense cloud of smoke and gas rushed out, preventing them from reaching the next floor. Moments later a worker emerged from the smoke, with no shirt and burns on his body.
“It was really bad,” says Chris. “We asked him: are there more people upstairs?” The worker, disoriented and in shock, was unable to answer. Without hesitation, Chris and Alejandro set their personal safety aside and ran into the smoke to make sure no one else needed help.
When they reached the next floor, workers were exiting the mechanical penthouse area and being attended to, and one person was on the phone with the paramedics. Following the direction of their foreman, Chris and Alejandro went back downstairs to alert others to evacuate the building and made sure everyone convened for a headcount.
Both members commend the swift action from first responders and emphasize the importance of constant awareness and adherence to safety procedures. They also reflect on the strong sense of teamwork and solidarity that exists on the jobsite, across the many companies, unions and trades. “Everyone has each other’s backs. It’s not like I’m a drywaller and he’s an electrician or a plumber – we all look out for each other.” says Chris. “We’re all trying to get the job done, safely, so that everyone goes home at the end of the day.”
