A coroner’s inquest will be launched into the death of a construction worker in Haliburton County nearly five years ago.
John J. Smith, 38, died on July 31, 2013, after falling more than 26 feet while working on a construction project on Johnson Bay Road, about 35 kilometres north of Haliburton.
Ministry of Labour investigators revealed Smith had been installing sheeting plywood on the peak of a home when he fell. Smith was an employee with Solid Ground Construction at the time.
As part of its investigation, the Ministry ordered a stop-work order and issued several orders against the company, including use and training of fall arrest equipment.
On Monday, Dr. Paul Dungey, regional supervising coroner for East Region in Kingston, announced an inquest into Smith’s death. An inquest is mandatory under the Coroners Act.
“The inquest will examine the circumstances surrounding Mr. Smith’s death,” stated Dungey. “The jury may make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths.
The inquest, scheduled to begin March 21 at the Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre in Haliburtion, is expected to run two days with six witnesses testifying.
Dr. Mary Beth Bourne will preside as inquest coroner and Rebecca Griffin will be counsel to the coroner, Dungey said.
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