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Fatal workplace accident under investigation in Saanich

On Behalf of | Oct 24, 2016 | Workplace Accidents |

Working at a height increases the risk of an accident at any job. Each year, many men and women in British Columbia are injured at work after a fall. The most recent incident resulted in the death of a young man after a workplace accident on Vancouver Island. 

The accident took place on Sept. 15, 2016 in Saanich, just north of Victoria. A 25-year old man employed by Coastal Painting Ltd. was painting at a commercial location on Oak Street, working at a height of approximately six metres. At around 2:20 p.m., he fell from where he was working and landed on the pavement below. A passer-by found him on the ground, already deceased.

There were no witnesses to the accident, so details are limited. Initial reports indicate the victim was wearing a safety harness, though whether or not it was connected to anything is not yet known. Foul play was ruled out by police before WorkSafe BC took over the investigation. Weather does not seem to have been a factor, but there is still much to be determined.

There will be many people keenly interested in the results of the investigation, including the victim’s family and his employer. Should the employer be found responsible, legal action may take place, and there may be insurance claims, regardless of the outcome. Employees and employers in British Columbia dealing with the fallout of a workplace accident might wish to consult with a labour and employment law firm to help them understand their rights and responsibilities.

Source: timescolonist.com, “WorkSafe B.C. investigating fatal fall at Saanich work site“, Cindy E. Harnett, Jeff Bell, Sept. 15, 2016

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