Coroner's inquest called in Fredericton construction death

A coroner's inquest into the death of a construction worker in Fredericton has been scheduled to take place from Dec. 8 to 11 at the Burton Courthouse.

Eldon Bramble, 65, of Maugerville was killed while building a house on Grasse Circle in Fredericton on June 21, 2012. Bramble was an employee of Lloyd Dutcher Developments Ltd. and fell from the second level of a building under construction through an opening to the basement about eight metres below. Bramble died instantly.

WorkSafe New Brunswick investigation found the company owner had been on the site before the accident and observed the employees working at heights without safety equipment and didn't require them to wear it even though it was available.

Lloyd Dutcher Developments Ltd. pleaded guilty to a charge under the Occupational Health and Safety Act of failing to provide such supervision, training and instruction necessary to ensure an employee's health and safety.

The company was fined $15,000 plus a $3,000 victim surcharge.

Chief coroner Gregory Forestell and a jury will hear evidence from witnesses about the circumstances surrounding Bramble's death. They will have the opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing similar workplace deaths or injuries in the future.