According to CBC News, the North American Construction Group contractor died at the Steep Bank Millennium mine in northern Alberta when a sump pan - which mainly collects oil - fell and hit him in the head at around 10am local time.

He was immediately evacuated to the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre where he was pronounced deceased.

"We are devastated by this news and deeply saddened by the terrible and unexpected loss of our co-worker and friend," North American Construction Group president and CEO Martin Ferron said.

"I know there's nothing I can say that will make this loss easier for the employee's loved ones to bear but I can assure them that we will do everything within our power to provide the support they need during this extremely difficult time."

The worker's name was not yet revealed while NACG said a full investigation was underway.

With Suncor's last fatality coming from a bear attack in May, a company spokeswoman told Canada's Global News that yesterday's accident was a truly tragic situation.

"Even the idea of one incident like this is too many," the Suncor spokeswoman reportedly said.

"Contractor or employee, we want all of our people to go home safely.

"We continue to be focused on safety as the most number one priority we can have."