Irving Shipbuilding faces charges stemming from 2024 workplace death

Irving Shipbuilding is facing five occupational health and safety charges stemming from the February 2024 death of a worker during snow clearing at the company's large shipyard along Halifax harbour.

The company was arraigned on the charges Monday in Halifax provincial court.

Defence lawyer Stan MacDonald said it will take time for him to review the evidence gathered during the investigation. The case is scheduled to return to court in October.

Jamie Knight died Feb. 19, 2024, after being hit at the Halifax Shipyard by a wheel loader, a tractor-like piece of equipment with a large bucket on the front. 

Two of the Occupational Health and Safety Act charges relate to Irving's alleged failure to have a safe-work plan for snow removal, or complete a risk assessment for hazards related to snow clearing. 

It's also alleged the company failed to ensure the wheel loader was used in accordance with manufacturer specifications, or designate a competent person as a signaller.

The company is also accused of not doing a risk assessment for workers heading to and from a hut where they could smoke.

More than 2,000 people work at Irving Shipbuilding, which has been contracted since 2011 to build ships for the Royal Canadian Navy.

Irving Shipbuilding has not yet entered pleas to the charges. Mel Schori, a spokesperson for the company, said in an email Monday that the death was a "tragedy that deeply saddened the Irving Shipbuilding community."

"Health and safety is a core value of Irving Shipbuilding and the company has complied with relevant laws, regulations, and the investigation relating to this incident," he said.