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ARTICLE · 24 JULY 2012

UPDATE: Large Fines Imposed In Metron Construction OHS Criminal Negligence Case. Reasons For Judgment Released

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On Friday, July 13, 2012, fines were imposed on Metron Construction and its President, Joel Swartz following guilty pleas by both parties earlier in June.

CanadaEmployment and HR
Norm Keith
Norm Keith
Anna Abbott
Anna Abbott
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On Friday, July 13, 2012, fines were imposed on Metron Construction and its President, Joel Swartz following guilty pleas by both parties earlier in June.  Both parties have one year to pay the $342,500 in total fines and surcharges.

Party

Guilty Plea

Fine imposed

Metron Construction

Guilty of 1 count of criminal
negligence causing death

$200,000 + 25% vfs

Joel Swartz

Guilty of 4 counts under
the OHSA

$90,000 + 25% vfs

Metron Construction entered a guilty plea to one charge of criminal negligence causing death under the Criminal Code as amended by Bill C-45. At the same time, its President, Mr. Joel Swartz, P.Eng.  pleaded guilty to four contraventions of the Ontario regulatory statute,  Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).  The criminal and regulatory charges relate to the Christmas eve tragic death of 4 workers when a scaffold broke and workers fell since they were not using a fall protection.

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