A representative from Black & McDonald Ltd., one of the two companies fined $85,000 for their role in a workplace accident that resulted in the death of a construction foreman at the Fleet Street Pumping Station in LeBreton Flats, says the company is considering an appeal.
The judge made his decision. I accept that decision,” said Mike Sharp. “The Crown may appeal, we may appeal, I’m not too sure just yet.”
Under the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act, Black and McDonald Ltd., and Thomas G. Fuller and Sons Ltd., were found guilty in March of failing to take every reasonable precaution to protect worker Yves Blondin.
Both companies were handed a fine of $85,000 each on Sept. 26.
Thomas G. Fuller & Sons Ltd. was not available for comment on whether they would decide to appeal or not.
Blondin worked for Black & McDonald Ltd., a contracting company that was hired to do renovations at the historic pumping station.
Just days before he was meant to retire in February 2006, Blondin, 60, went down to the bottom of a large pit when the beam he was standing on cracked in half and hit him in the head and neck.
Blondin was taken to hospital with critical injuries and later died.
The fines were levied just weeks after a tradesperson died of serious head injuries on a job site at CHEO on Sept. 8.
The Workplace Safety & Insurance Board of Ontario’s website states that in 2006, over 100 workers died [in Ontario] from traumatic injuries, and more than 57,000 others suffered from injuries or serious illnesses as a result of dangerous hazards.
In 2007, WSIB launched a television ad campaign which featured graphic commercials in an effort to promote awareness of the need for workplace safety.
Last year, more than 800 men and women were honoured in a memorial service in Edmonton on the annual day of mourning for victims of workplace accident.
Friends and family gathered in communities across Canada, including at a quiet ceremony held in a park near the Rideau River in tribute of victims who lost their lives on the job in Ottawa.
Construction technician for the City of Ottawa, Tony Russo, sympathizes, “When you’ve been in construction for 40 years and you haven’t caused any accidents, you consider yourself pretty lucky.”