Charges dismissed in 2015 fatal workplace accident in Trepassey

More than two years after an employee fell to his death in Trepassey, Occupational Health and Safety charges have been dismissed against Southern Construction (1981) Ltd.

Judge James Walsh dismissed thecharges Thursday, saying they could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Trepassey roofer succumbs to injuries after 20-foot drop

CJ Curtis fell 20 feet through a skylight onto a concrete floor at the Glamox Lighting building in Trepasseyin June 2015.

At the time, RCMP said Curtis, 20, was not wearing a harness.

In November, 2016, Southern Construction (1981) Ltd. was charged with four counts failingto provide a safe workplace, ensuringworkers were made familiar with the hazards, ensuringfall protection was used, and arranging work areas to promote the safe movement of workers.

In his decision, Walsh noted the RCMP's failure to take photographs or secure the scene.

The judgealso said it took eighthours for Occupational Health and Safety officials to attend the scene of Curtis' fall which was too long to preservethe integrity of an unsecured scene.

Walsh said due to all those factors, there was no evidence to prove anyone was at fault for Curtis' death.