According to Matt Blager, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, Hackett was using a gas tank to support a vehicle from which he was draining fluids. The vehicle shifted, crushing the gas tank and killing Hackett. Emergency crews responded quickly, but to no avail. 

 

Blajer said the Ministry of Labour has issued a number of orders to obtain various employer records regarding Hackett, including training records. 

 

“We’ve issued two stop work orders,” said Blajer. “The first is to address the hazard of workers working under vehicles without adequate safety precautions. The second deals with employees working around high stacks of cars that may topple. Cars are stacked 16 high in spots.” 

 

Hackett is survived by his partner Sheila Lampard and child Hayley Lampard, his parents Mae and Geoff Hackett, and three sisters, Toby Sansom (Richard), Tracy Rogers (Doug), and Jennifer Hackett. 

 

There will be a gathering for family and friends at the D.J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Wednesday, October 3 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Sunshine Foundation at sunshine.ca.

 

Steve Fletcher is the Executive Director of the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association. Plank Road Auto Wreckers is not a member of the association. 

 

“What’s really tragic is that this type of thing is completely preventable,” said Fletcher. “While CAREC (the code of practice association members must follow) is generally silent on health and safety issues, this is the type of risky behaviour that outdoor dismantling encourages.”

 

“This is a very tragic accident that has an immediate impact on a family, co-workers and the industry," said Lisa Sticca of Thunder Bay Auto Parts and Chair of OARA's Health and Safety Commmittee. "It is unfortunate that it takes a tragedy to remind us of the importance of health and safety procedures in the workplace. On behalf of the OARA Board we extend our deepest sympathy to the family.”