March 29, 2024

WorkSafeBC report cites Campbell in worker death

Gordon Campbell was unaware of his responsibilities when a roofer fell to his death while working on the former premier’s summer home in 2011, according to WorkSafeBC.

The Workers’ Compensation Board report into the July 4 death of David Lesko was released to media Monday, laying out the circumstances that led to the roofer’s death at Campbell’s residence in Halfmoon Bay.

While none of the employees on site witnessed the fall, investigators believe Lesko was crouched down while working on the home’s roof when he took a step back and likely tripped over a wooden frame.

He fell through an exposed skylight opening, covered only by a sheet of polyethylene to keep dust out of the home below, and suffered fatal injuries as he landed on a tile floor inside the house.

Since none of the contractors on site were designated the “prime contractor,” the responsibility technically fell to the homeowner — in this case Campbell — under the Workers Compensation Act.

According to the report, the prime contractor is “responsible for ensuring that the activities of employers and workers at the workplace relating to health and safety are co-ordinated and for establishing a system or process to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.”

Lead investigator Noreen Nomura found that Campbell (now Canada’s high commissioner to Great Britain) was unaware of his responsibilities as prime contractor.

The report also found that the roof opening was not securely guarded, fall-protection equipment was not used and that the company — Weather Tight Supplies — failed to establish safe work procedures and provide adequate supervision.

Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver

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