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Newfoundland department charged with violations related to workplace fatality

Two years to the day after highway worker Wayne Wall was killed on the job, charges have been made against his employer, the Department of Transportation and Works.

St. John's (27 July 2015) — After two years of investigation, on July 23 the Newfoundland and Labrador government’s Department of Transportation and Works has been charged with violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. 

Accident happened two years ago

The worker who was killed on the job was Wayne Wall of Cape Ray, Newfoundland, and a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE/NUPGE). 

Wall, 41, was working for the Department of Transportation and Works and was preparing to paint “YIELD” on the eastbound driving lane of the Trans-Canada Highway when he was struck by a passing pickup truck on July 23, 2013.

Three others were taken to hospital, including two people who were in the private pickup and a Department of Transportation and Works employee who was sitting in a government truck that the pickup smashed into after hitting Wall.

James Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), said that "many public sector workers put their lives on the line when they go in to work every day. But it's still a shock, and it's heartbreaking when these accidents happen."

Charged with eight counts

The employer has been charged with eight counts alleging there was a failure

  • to provide a safe workplace
  • to provide instruction and supervision
  • to ensure effective traffic control was provided and
  • to ensure an occupational health and safety program was implemented.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the provincial court in Stephenville on September 21. 

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE