The case of R. v. Metron has attracted the widespread
attention of Canadian employers and employees alike. As we have
previously described, this case relates to a tragic accident
that occurred on December 24, 2009, when four workers fell 14
floors after a swing stage they were using to return to the ground
collapsed. There were six workers on the swing stage, despite the
fact that there were only two life lines available.
Ultimately, Metron was fined $750,000.00 under Ontario
occupational health and safety legislation, one of the highest ever
OHS fines in Canada at the time. However, this fine did not end the
matter.
Criminal charges were brought against Vadim Kazenelson, a
project manager for Metron. At the time of the incident Kazenelson
was the supervisor on site responsible for ensuring that the
workers were following proper safety procedures. Kazenelson not
only allowed the deceased workers to use the swing stage without
proper fall protection, he joined
