Discussion of workplace safety measures and training procedures unfolded at the trial in Ottawa, focusing on a man's fatal hedge-trimming incident.
In the ongoing trial, the focus is on the tragic incident that occurred at Best Green Hedges, a local landscaping company, where foreman Nick Chenier was electrocuted while working on a property on Jean Park Road in May 2023.
Steven Deans, Chenier's supervisor, stands accused of criminal negligence causing death. Deans pleaded not guilty at the start of the trial, and the Crown alleges that he failed to identify or warn Chenier about the danger of the hydro wires and directed him to work without proper training and equipment.
Marc-André Gosselin, a helper at Best Green Hedges, was present during the incident. He received verbal and formal training about the hazards of power lines and the distance to stay away from them. However, under cross-examination, Gosselin admitted that it seems very unlikely Chenier wouldn't have seen the power line.
Gosselin also stated that Chenier did not mention the power line to him during their work hours. The photo presented in court shows the hedge and a ladder near it, implying most of the job was completed before the incident.
Regarding safety training, Gosselin recalled receiving training that included the positioning of ladders and how to use tools and equipment. However, he could not recall if it included specifics about high-voltage power lines. Gosselin's co-worker, Gosselin, did not recall if he received training on using power tools and ladders around high-voltage power lines.
The trial continued with testimony from the homeowner who hired Best Green Hedges for the work on her property. Gosselin stated that it is the foreman's responsibility to assess danger at a work site. He once refused to do unsafe work because it involved bees, showing his commitment to safety.
Allegations against Deans have not been proven in court. The trial is ongoing, and the court is yet to reach a verdict. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety training and the potential consequences of negligence in the workplace.
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