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5 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, April 1, 2009 Bell fined $280,000 in deaths of two men By Jackson Hayes TORSTAR NEWS SERVICE Save $20 Buy before April 15 Bell Canada has been handed the largest fine ever under the Canada Labour Code for health and safety violations in the deaths of two men in an Oakville manhole in 2007. Bell has three months to pay the $280,000 penalty. Representative Jean-Clement Drolet pleaded guilty last week on behalf of the telecommunications giant for failing to keep health and safety records, to keep a copy of the hazard assessment report at the employer's place of business nearest the worksite and ensuring the victims were properly trained to use protective equipment. The payout comes nearly two years after Binbrook resident Greg Gauthier, 52, and Rodney Metcalfe, 33, of Brampton died at the bottom of a Bell manhole near Third Line and North Service Road in Oakville on June 28, 2007. The men, employed by Wesbell Communications Technologies of Mississauga, were "fishing" fibre optic cable between manholes nearly five metres underground at the time of the accident. Subsequent investigations revealed the air quality had about half the normal oxygen level. As well, it was revealed the air monitor used by the men at the time of the incident was not lowered deep enough into the hole. The record payout came as cold comfort to many of the teary-eyed family and friends, one of whom described the fine as insulting. "They got a slap on the wrist for killing two men," said Priscilla Metcalfe, whose brother Rodney was one of the victims. Priscilla said she expected a penalty closer to $2.5 million and called yesterday's decision a "crock." "My brother's gone, their father's gone and $280,000 just doesn't cut it." The court heard yesterday that Bell has instituted a number of policy and procedure changes following the deaths, including a review of the confined space hazard assessment report and the development of training requirements for all contractors. Michael Gauthier, Greg's brother who is in the same line of work, said he didn't care much about the financial penalty because it is impossible to put a value on human life. "You can fine anybody $10 million, it's not going to make any difference." He said the policy changes touted by Bell have been implemented and have made a difference but he is just sorry it had to come at the cost of his brother's life. Take Delivery before May 15 100% Money-Back Guarantee $139. Includes Delivery within zones Get a $5.00 refund on returned bag TK149 You call - we deliver, even if you're not home.TM We created more space! Now create space in yourself. Creating Space Yoga Oakville Hatha Yoga practiced in the style of Vanda Scaravelli Parent and Child Yoga Workshop this Sunday. Ages 5 -11...call the studio to join in! Registration is now open for our spring term. Spring classes begin Tues. April 14th, 2009 Beginners Welcome! 594 Chartwell Rd, Suite 2, Tel. 905-337-3598 www.creatingspaceyoga.ca