There will be a coroner's inquest, said Public Safety spokesperson Coreen Enos. to enter pleas before Judge Julian Dickson.Ĭriminal negligence causing death carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Springhill Construction and King are scheduled to return to Fredericton provincial court on Sept. 'Since the matter is before the courts, there isn't much we are able to add,' she said. 'The decision to launch a criminal investigation (vs OHS) would have been determined through the investigation and in consultation with WorkSafeNB,' force spokesperson Alycia Bartlett said in an email. The criminal investigation was conducted by the Fredericton Police Force. Hilary Drain, regional director of public prosecutions, declined to comment, as the matter is before the courts.ĭepartment of Justice and Office of the Attorney General spokesperson Paul Bradley also declined to comment. 'The Crown went forward with a criminal charge for the employer and supervisor,' but not the city, said Graves.Īll of the Occupational Health and Safety Act charges were withdrawn when the criminal charges were laid, she said, directing further inquiries to the Crown's office.

The company was charged with five counts alleging failures to take reasonable precautions to ensure employee safety on the site, while King was charged with one count, and the city, as the contractor, was also charged with one count. The provincial act contains legal requirements that must be met by all New Brunswick workplaces.

Springhill Construction, King and the City of Fredericton were all initially charged last year under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Prior to the explosion, several safety concerns had been raised by employees, union officials and government inspectors. Twenty-six miners lost their lives when a buildup of methane gas and coal dust ignited and caused an explosion. The changes stemmed from the disaster at Westray Mine in Pictou County, N.S. Michael Henderson, 18, of Fredericton, was killed in a workplace incident at the Barker Street wastewater treatment facility on the city's north side on Aug.

Death or Treat instal the new