Steelworkers welcome guilty verdict in workplace death

The United Steelworkers Union (USW) says it is "gratified" with the guilty verdict in a criminal trail of a supervisor in relation to the death of an 18-year old worker in 2018.

Michael Henderson, who was employed by Springhill Construction, died on August 16th that year at Fredericton's sewage treatment plant after a plug slid out and water filled a four-foot wide utility hole.

His supervisor, Jason King, was found guilty of criminal negligence causing his death.

The union says King had failed to read any of the company's safety manuals or the manual setting out his duties and responsibilities as a supervisor; failed to follow safety direction of the plug's manufacturer; and failed to comply with the legislative requirements for confined-space work.

USW National Director Marty Warren says the Steelworkers union welcomes the verdict, while Myles Sullivan, USW District 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Canada) says, "I hope this verdict sends a message to employers that there is indeed a price to pay for neglecting to keep workers healthy and safe."