Investigator cited multiple scaffolding deficiencies
A coroner’s inquest is underway to examine the death of Preston Allen, the carpenter who fell from scaffolding at a residential construction site in Fredericton on Dec. 6, 2021.
Chief Coroner Heather Brander is leading the inquiry alongside a five-member jury, with proceedings focused on understanding the circumstances of the incident and exploring measures to prevent similar workplace fatalities.
According to testimony heard during the inquest and reported by CBC News, weather conditions on the day of the accident included snow, rain, and ice pellets.
Patrick McMahon, a co-worker of Allen’s at New View Design by Laurie Cole Inc., testified that most workers opted to stay indoors due to the weather while Allen remained on the scaffolding, receiving materials from inside the building.
McMahon told the inquest that he was walking downstairs when he heard Allen yell. He said he ran to an opening, saw Allen lying on the ground, and rushed outside. When he reached Allen, he described him as struggling to breathe. McMahon said he turned him onto his back and stayed with him while other workers called emergency services. Allen was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The inquest also examined the safety conditions at the site.
Michel Cyr, manager of investigations at WorkSafe New Brunswick, testified that the scaffolding had several deficiencies.
According to Cyr, the structure was not properly secured to the house, and the two-by-fours intended as guardrails presented a tripping hazard rather than providing effective fall protection.
CBC reported that workers attempted to address the slippery conditions by sweeping the planks and applying salt every 10 minutes, but Cyr said the metal pipes on the scaffolding would have been difficult to grip in those conditions.
Cyr also testified that there was no qualified supervisor present at the site. Although Allen was treated as the project lead, he had not received formal employee orientation or safety training.
As reported by CBC, New View Design by Laurie Cole Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate safety instruction under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. On July 17, 2024, the company was fined $25,000, with an additional $5,000 victim surcharge imposed by the court.
Brander told the jury that the inquest is not intended to assign blame but to develop practical recommendations that could reduce the risk of future workplace accidents. The proceedings are expected to last two days.
