In Macdonald Cartier International Airport Authority, 2015 OHSTC 5, an employee was injured after being struck by a baggage cart when it slid over ice and snow. This led to an initial finding by the Health and Safety Officer of a violation of section 125(1)(p) of the Canada Labour Code and subsection 2.14(1) of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and a direction to comply against the Macdonald Cartier International Airport Authority (“the Airport”) for allowing an accumulation of ice and snow.
On Appeal, the Airport successfully argued that it exercised due diligence in its snow removal operations and the direction issued by the Health and Safety Officer was rescinded. Although the Appeals Officer noted that the defence of due diligence under subsection 148(4) of the Code did not strictly apply because the Health and Safety Officer only issued a direction and no charges were laid, the Appeal Officer nevertheless considered all of the circumstances in setting aside the initial direction, noting that literal compliance with the statute would render compliance nearly impossible.
This decision also confirms established jurisprudence where directions have been rescinded when an employer is kept unaware of a potential contravention. Having recognized the excellent snow removal operations in place at the Airport, the Appeals Officer ultimately placed the blame on the airline itself for failing to bring the snow/ice issue in the area of the accident to the Airport’s attention earlier in the day. The direction was rescinded because the Airport had not received a service request for snow or ice removal and had fully respected its winter maintenance procedures.
For further information please contact Paul Lalonde at 613-940-2759 or Sarah Lapointe at 613-940-2738.
