Hydro Ottawa responds to guilty verdict for fatal accident

OTTAWA, ON - - Recently, Justice of the Peace Mackey found Hydro Ottawa guilty of three of the five offenses with which it was charged under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

These charges were in relation to a March 22, 2012 accident, which resulted in the death of Barry Robertson, a Dig Safe employee. Dig Safe had been subcontracted to perform work for Hydro Ottawa. Dig Safe was also charged in relation to this fatality, and pleaded guilty in November 2013.

Hydro Ottawa does not agree with the verdict. The company firmly believes that it was duly diligent in alerting its contractors to the hazards of working near energized power lines, and in enforcing the use of safe practices to protect worker safety.

Safety is fundamental to how Hydro Ottawa does business. Hydro Ottawa is committed to preventing injuries and protecting the health and safety of its employees, contractors, subcontractors, and members of the public.

Hydro Ottawa is now reviewing its options in response to this recent decision.