Government charged over Outer Ring Road fatality

The Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Transportation and Works and two other employers have been charged with breaking occupational health and safety laws over a 2011 tragedy that cost an inspector his life.

Joe English, 51, was killed while he was inspecting asphalt on a repair site along the Outer Ring Road, which runs through northern St. John's as well as neighbouring municipalities.

English, who worked for the provincial government, died when an SUV struck him and two others while they were working at the site on July 5, 2011.

The City of St. John's and Irving Oil have also been charged in the incident.

Each employed one of the injured workers.

All three face six charges, including failing to provide a safe workplace, instruction, supervision and the necessary clothing and devices.

The charges also allege that safe work procedures were not followed, that the employers failed to ensure safe interaction of the employees and their work environment, and that traffic was not properly controlled.

As well, the provincial government and the City of St. John's have also been charged with "failing to conduct their undertaking in a manner that protects other employers' workers."

The case will be called in provincial court in St. John's on July 30.