Worker Fatality at Suncor Oil Sands: Machinery Sinks in Fort McMurray Muskeg
Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) is currently investigating a worker fatality at a Suncor oil sands site near Fort McMurray. The incident occurred last week when the worker became trapped inside machinery that sank into muskeg.
Details of the Incident
According to OH&S, the worker was operating heavy equipment near a water body—not a tailings pond—at the Fort Hills site. Efforts to recover the worker’s remains began promptly. However, as of last week, he was still unaccounted for. The company has not provided recent updates regarding the recovery process.
Suncor’s Response
Suncor Energy Inc. has stated that the investigation is still in its early stages. Preliminary indications suggest the fatality may have stemmed from a medical event. The company expressed condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with the individual’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Safety Performance Statistics
Earlier this month, Suncor announced that its safety performance in 2025 reached its highest level in three consecutive years. The company reported a 70% reduction in both lost time and process safety events compared to 2022. This improvement comes on the heels of significant safety concerns that plagued the organization in prior years.
Workplace Safety Concerns
From 2014 to 2022, Suncor recorded at least 12 workplace fatalities, more than any other oil sands operator. The alarming safety record led to increased scrutiny from investors, including U.S.-based Elliott Investment Management. In 2022, they called for a major shift in the company’s leadership structure.
Leadership Changes
Rich Kruger, the former head of Imperial Oil Ltd., was brought out of retirement to spearhead a restructuring initiative at Suncor as CEO. This move aimed to address the operational and financial hurdles the company faced in recent years.
The recent worker fatality at Suncor highlights ongoing challenges regarding safety in the oil sands industry. The investigation aims to reveal more about the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
