Worker sustained injuries while working at a construction site in Ontario
The Ontario government is set to begin inquest proceedings into the death of a worker who died at a construction site in Ontario nearly five years ago.
The worker – 33-year-old Christopher Panepinto – died on Feb. 10, 2022 after sustaining injuries at the workplace in Pickering.
The inquest will begin on Monday, Feb. 3.
Panepinto was crushed by a temporary barrier while he and other workers were forming concrete for a new retirement community, CBC previously reported, citing a statement from the worker’s brother.
Delgant Limited, the construction company that had employed Panepinto, was charged with health and safety violations in July 2022 in connection with the death.
However, the Crown withdrew the charges after it concluded it couldn't finish the case within 18 months, the timeline established for provincial offences by the Jordan decision, a 2016 ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada.
The Crown informed the worker’s family of that decision via email in December 2022, according to CBC.
What is the purpose of the inquest in Ontario?
The inquest has been called pursuant to section 10 of the Coroners Act.
Bonnie Goldberg will be the presiding officer and Grace Alcaide Janicas will be the inquest counsel.
The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Panepinto’s death. The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing further deaths.
The proceedings will begin at 9:30 a.m., Dr. Joel Kirsh, Regional Supervising Coroner, Central Region, Central East Office, announced, according to the Ontario government.
The inquest is expected to last seven days and hear from approximately eight witnesses. It will be conducted by video conference. Members of the public who wish to view the proceedings can do so live right here.
