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Sliding steel prompts 2nd investigation at Muskrat Falls site

CBC News has learned a contractor involved with work at the Muskrat Falls hydroelectricity project is now investigating another safety incident — the second for the company in about a month.

Astaldi spokesperson says event will likely be classified a 'high-potential near miss.'

In this photo submitted to CBC News by a worker at Muskrat Falls, a steel beam can be seen after it slid off the trailer it was being transported on. (Submitted)

CBC News has learned a contractor involved with work at the Muskrat Falls hydroelectricity project is now investigating another safety incident — the second for the company in about a month.

A spokesperson for Astaldi Canada said it's investigating how a steel beam recently fell from a truck.

"This [latest] incident is still under investigation and not yet officially classified, However, we can safely say that this will be classified as a high-potential near miss," said Matthew Pike, Astaldi Canada's manager of external relations.

"I have to make it clear that there were no injuries and when I have more information I will be happy to share it with you," he said.

A worker at Muskrat Falls said the steel beam, seen in the photo, fell off of a tractor trailer flatbed on Oct. 3.

"It could've killed someone," the worker warned.

Second time

It's the second time that a safety incident at the construction site in Labrador prompted a review of what happened.

On Sept. 2, a falling load of steel prompted an immediate work stoppage at the site that lasted for more than a day. It led to a review of workers' safety practices.