R. v. Bondfield Construction Company Limited

2022 ONCA 302 (CanLII)Court of Appeal for OntarioDecided Workplace injury and workers' compensation

OHSA Appeal: Electrical Safety Conviction Reinstated

Summary

This is an appeal from a conviction under the Occupational Health and Safety Act regarding workplace electrical safety hazards. The Court of Appeal for Ontario addressed whether the Crown established the actus reus for offences involving unauthorized access to energized parts and failure to disconnect power supplies, as well as the validity of the due diligence defence involving a reasonable mistake of fact. The court reinstated the conviction, finding that the trial justice properly addressed the defence and that the broader interpretation of 'exposed' applied to the disconnection offence.

Outcome

appeal dismissed; conviction reinstated

Key Factors

  • occupational health and safety
  • electrical hazards
  • due diligence defence
  • statutory interpretation
  • actus reus

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This is legal information, not legal advice. Ontario Severance is an educational tool. If you are facing a serious employment law matter, consult with a qualified employment lawyer in Ontario.