A Saskatchewan man who miraculously survived a horrific accident in the workplace is the keynote speaker for this year’s Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association Safety Conference.
Curtis Weber was just 17 years old in 1999 when, on the third day of his new job, he was electrocuted.
He and his coworkers were trying to move a steel structure under an overhead power line with a crane, when Weber grabbed hold of the structure to keep it steady.
The steel came into contact with the overhead line, and more than 40,000 volts of electricity surged through his body.
The incident left him unresponsive, and he was rushed to hospital with critical injuries.
Curtis Weber (via WorkSafe BC/YouTube)
Weber survived the ordeal but lost an arm and a foot and suffered injuries to his face. He’s since become an outspoken workplace safety advocate, emphasizing the importance of safety plans and proper workplace planning.
CEO of the Construction Association Jennifer Aspell says they’re honoured that Weber will be delivering the keynote address.
“Curtis has a very impactful story,” says Aspell, and despite his life-altering injury, he’s “turned it into a very positive safety message of resilience.”
The NLCSA is also collaborating with the Department of Education and Weber will also present his safety message to students in the metro region.
This year’s conference is set for November 5th at the Emera Innovation Exchange.
