Calgary plumbing firm to pay $330,000 for accident that fatally buried employee
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Orsign-inif you have an account. A scene is taped off in an alley near the 2600 block of 34 Avenue N. W. in Calgary on Friday, June 9. A man died on Thursday after he was buried in a collapsed trench while doing sewer repairs. Jim Wells/PostmediaA Calgary plumbing contractor whose worker died when a trench collapsed on him will have to pay $330,000 for violating occupational health and safety laws. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorMr. Mike’s Plumbing Ltd. pleaded guilty to one count of failing to ensure the health and safety of a worker for the June 8, 2023 incident, though the crown withdrew 10 other counts. Liam Johnston, who was 27,died while repairing a sewer linein an alley in the northwest community of Charleswood on behalf of Mr. Mike’s Plumbing. A large amount of earth and retaining wall cinder blocks buried Johnston, who was on a ladder during the repairs. He was doing sewer line repairs in the 2600 block of 34 Ave. N. W. when the trench caved in. Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Noon News Roundup will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againIn June, 2023, the Calgary Fire Department said the hole was dug the day before it collapsed, and that material from “a steep slope above” collapsed onto Johnston. His girlfriend at the time, Emily Gofton, said Johnston was concerned about his safety and had spoken with the company before visiting the site. She alleged he still didn’t have proper equipment on the day of the repairs. She described the Waterloo, Ont. native as an incredible, compassionate person who always put others ahead of himself and loved the outdoors. In December, 2025, Calgary Police determined there wasn’t sufficient evidence to criminally charge the company which had initially pleaded not guilty to all the charges. But ultimately, the company was ordered to pay $115,000 fine that includes a victim surcharge and another $215,000 to the Injury Prevention Centre. “The centre will conduct a province-wide safety awareness campaign to empower young workers to recognize hazards, speak up about unsafe work and help prevent workplace injuries through targeted education, industry collaboration and a shared commitment to safer workplaces,” Occupational Health and Safety said in a press release. Just prior to the fine being announced, Gofton said she was disappointed 10 counts were dropped against Mr. Mike’s following their guilty plea. “(It’s) beyond frustrating and sad…but because of the case law and regulations around these types of charges, nothing significant is being done,” she stated in a social media post. “From what we do know, (it’s) a slap in the face to us and to Liam’s life. ”The crown and company have up to 30 days to appeal the conviction or penalty. 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