The Nova Scotia Department of Labour has lifted a stop work order at a Halifax Walmart after the death of an employee.
The Mumford Road store closed after a 19-year-old woman was found dead in inside the bakery oven by her mother earlier this month.
They both were working the night she died.
In a statement to our newsroom, the Department of Labour said the stop work order was lifted after they confirmed Walmart was following safety rules.
“The stop work order was lifted when compliance was confirmed, allowing bakery operations to safely resume should Walmart decide to do so. A stop work order is issued whenever equipment is involved in an accident. This allows an assessment to confirm the equipment is safe to be used. The stop work order did not prohibit the storefront being open – the order applied to the bakery and one piece of equipment.”
On Sunday, the store sent a letter to employees that said they would be closed for at least another week.
In an update to our newsroom, spokesperson Amanda Moss says the store is compensating employees for lost wages.
“Associates will continue to be paid for the shifts they’re scheduled to work during the store closure. We will consider alternate work arrangements in the event the store remains closed for a longer-than-anticipated period of time,” said Moss.
It’s unclear when it will reopen as police continue to investigate.
Nearly $200,000 has been raised to help the family while police are still investigating circumstances surrounding the death.
“The investigation is complex and involves several partner agencies. An investigation of this nature may take a significant amount of time.” stated Halifax Regional Police.
Money raised will be used to assist with immediate expenses, including efforts to bring the woman’s father and brother from India to be with the family.
