This comes after an 18 month investigation
N.B. Power is facing five charges due to the on-the-job death of its power-line technician, Colin Hume, who fell while working following an ice storm two years ago.
Hume, 47, was working with a fellow employee in a wooded area near Curryville when a power pole broke while they were on the line. Lynn Meahan-Carson, a spokesperson for WorkSafeNB, confirmed Wednesday that Hume died at the scene, while the other employee suffered serious injuries.
After an 18-month investigation, WorkSafeNB filed five charges against the utility in late October under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The charges allege that N.B. Power failed to provide proper instructions to ensure the employees were safe while removing ice from power lines, failed to provide training on how to clear ice, did not take all reasonable precautions to protect workers, did not prepare a written transportation process for injured or ill workers, and did not provide a first aid kit at the worksite.
N.B. Power has not yet entered a plea in court. Spokesperson Dominic Couture did not specify how the company 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 added that 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.
