N.B. Power accused of safety violations in lineman's death
Charges laid by WorkSafeNB allege the Crown corporation failed to protect employees during storm restoration
N.B. Power is facing five charges related to an on-the-job death of one of its powerline technicians, Colin Hume, who fell while doing restoration work after a massive ice storm two years ago.
Hume, a 47-year-old from Ritchie, and a second employee were working in a wooded area in Curryville, just off the Albert Mines Road.
A power pole broke while the pair were working on the line, Lynn Meahan-Carson, a WorkSafeNB spokesperson, said Wednesday. RCMP said at the time that Hume died at the scene, while the other worker was sent to the hospital with serious injuries.
After an 18-month investigation, WorkSafeNB laid five charges against the utility in late October under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Charges filed in Moncton provincial court allege that N.B. Power failed to provide necessary instruction to ensure employee safety while removing ice from power lines, failed to provide training on clearing ice from power lines, failed to take every reasonable precaution to keep workers safe, failed to prepare a written transportation process for injured or ill workers, and did not provide a first aid kit at the place of employment.
N.B. Power has not yet entered a plea in court, and spokesperson Dominic Couture, when reached on Wednesday, did not say how it plans to proceed.
The utility "has been working with WorkSafeNB throughout their investigation to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all factors involved and to take every possible step to prevent future incidents," Couture said by email.
Couture did not say what, if any, changes N.B. Power made to its safety procedures after the incident.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees, many of whom work in challenging and dangerous conditions," Couture said.
"This incident has left a profound impact on our organization, and our thoughts remain with all those grieving during this difficult time. We remain focused on supporting our employees and the families directly impacted."
Couture said N.B. Power would not comment further as the matter is before the court.
The utility is expected to return to court at a later date.
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