April 30, 2019

Construction company charged in workplace fatality of First Nations man in Manitoba

As reported on APTNnews.ca, an Edmonton-based construction company is facing seven charges under Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act, stemming from a workplace fatality of a First Nations man in 2018, according to the provincial government.

After a year-long investigation into the death of Todd Maytwayashing, Forbes Bros. were notified of the charges earlier this month, said a spokesperson for the province.

The charges have been filed in provincial court but haven’t been sworn before a judge so they have not been made public.

The family was at a Winnipeg rally for the Annual Day of Mourning, a gathering to honour those who have lost their lives while on the job, when they spoke with APTN News about the recent charges.

Barry Swan said he’s “relieved” the investigation lead to charges in his son’s death.

“He would be here today if they could have prevented and assured safety,” he said.

In January 2018, Maytwayashing died while working on a hydro project in northern Manitoba.

Maytwayashing, who was originally from Lake Manitoba First Nation, was working for Forbes Bros who was contracted by Manitoba Hydro to build a transmission line from the Keeyask Generating Station to another nearby station when the incident occurred.

Swan says the 22-year-old was helping load steel beams onto a semi-truck when one of the beams fell and landed on his head.

The family has spent the past 15 months searching for answers and for justice.

“To date we have no information on the horrific event of the day,” said Swan. “That’s not shared with us yet so we have no closure.”

In Manitoba, a fatality on the job triggers an investigation by workplace safety and health officials.

Keep reading on APTNnews.ca

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