RCMP to review WorkSafeBCs probe into 2012 death of Burnaby pipe layer

The workplace death of a young pipe layer in Burnaby is now the subject of a criminal investigation by police.

WorkSafeBC confirmed Thursday it has referred the investigation into the Oct. 11, 2012, incident which killed one man and injured another to Burnaby RCMP.

Staff Sergeant Major John Buis said his detachment will now review WorkSafeBCs investigation to determine if there is any criminality involved.

It will be separate and independent, but relying on a lot of things that they came up with, he said. And, obviously, if we have to re-interview people or get other evidence, [we will].

Jeffrey Caron and Thomas Richer were in an excavation pit north of Edinburgh Street installing a storm and sanitation line when a concrete retaining wall adjacent to the pit collapsed.

According to the WorkSafeBC report, Mr. Richer had raised concerns about the conditions twice before: first on Oct. 3, when he told the foreman he thought ground conditions in the pit had changed to a more sandy material, and then again on the morning of the accident, when he remarked, The wall looks like it has shifted. Both times, the foreman said not to worry and keep working, according to the report.

After the second complaint, the pipe layers re-entered the pit. Minutes later, the concrete wall fell. It pinned Mr. Caron, a 28-year-old originally from Calgary, and he later died of his injuries. Mr. Richer escaped but suffered serious physical injuries and significant mental trauma, according to the report.

It cited the City of Burnaby, as well as firms J. Cote & Son Excavating Ltd., Vector Engineering Services Ltd. and Earthbitat Engineering Inc. for failing to recognize and address known hazards at the workplace. Lack of training, lack of communication about the concrete wall, ineffective safety program management and the fact the foreman failed to act on Mr. Richers concerns also contributed to the fatal accident, the report stated.

WorkSafeBC, which has yet to impose any penalties, is no longer commenting on the matter, instead referring all questions to the Mounties. We dont want to comment because its under investigation by RCMP, spokeswoman Megan Johnston said.

Staff Sgt. Buis said it is rare for such investigations to be referred to his detachment. These dont happen that frequently, he said. I dont recall many, if any, here in Burnaby.

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RCMP to review WorkSafeBCs probe into 2012 death of Burnaby pipe layer