Canada: A City of North Bay employee was struck by a vehicle while on the job Thursday afternoon.

A city employee was struck by a vehicle while on the job Thursday afternoon.A Labour Ministry inspector has been assigned to the case and an investigation is underway, spokeswoman Janet Deline reported. “What I can tell you is a worker employed by the City of North Bay was struck by a vehicle while performing construction work Thursday around 2 p.m.,” she said. “The worker was taken to hospital and the site was shut down immediately.”

The extent of the worker's injuries was not reported and Deline declined to release further details. “I can say that the worker was part of the crew conducting water main repairs on Chippewa Street,” reported Jaclyn Bucik, the city's communications co-ordinator.

Bucik said that safety is important to the city. “When working on roadways, the city follows the Ontario Traffic Manual’s Book 7, which provides requirements for traffic control in work zones during roadway or utility construction and maintenance operations on or adjacent to public highways, including ramps and municipals roads and streets.

"Signs warning of work being done in the area are also used.” Bucik said the city would like to remind motorists to be aware of construction equipment, road workers and flaggers in construction zones.

“Also, drivers are to be aware of signs, pavement markings, pylons and other vehicles. We ask that motorists drive slowly, pay attention and be patient and understanding during seasonal construction times.”