Coroner’s inquest in Saint John makes recommendations to improve workplace safety

A jury at a coroner’s inquest in Saint John, N.B., has made recommendations aimed at improving workplace safety.

The inquest was held following the workplace death of Matthew Brawn in the Springdale area of the Kings Rural District on July 18, 2024.

“Coroners and juries can classify a death as a homicide, suicide, accident, natural causes or manner undetermined,” a release from the province reads.

The inquest found Brawn’s death was the result of an accident that took place while erecting wind turbines.

The six-member jury heard from six witnesses and made recommendations to two organizations.

The recommendations for Windturbine Construction Team:

• establish a clear and active on-site supervisor overseeing work
• ensure morning safety meetings:
• establish the scope of work and responsibilities of all workers
• review the equipment being used and its intended purpose
• identify the site supervisor and clarify the chain of command
• remind workers of their right to refuse unsafe work
• reinforce the consequences of not following established procedures
• emphasize the importance of active communication on the site to verify and confirm the safe use of equipment
• ensure that only competent employees operate equipment and that they are comfortable and properly trained to do so

The recommendations for Windturbine Construction Team and Iron Workers Union:

• remind and reiterate during training that the telehandler and other equipment must be used only as intended and within their rated capacities

“The chief coroner will forward these recommendations to the appropriate agencies for consideration and response. The response will be included in the chief coroner’s annual report for 2026,” the release continued.

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