Workplace safety allegations tied to 2024 incident
Two companies are facing a combined 22 workplace safety charges following the death of a 32-year-old Edmonton construction worker who fell from a six-storey building in 2024.
Charges were laid March 10 against Dre-Max Construction Inc. and Sixth Avenue Arbutus Management Corp. in connection with the death of Jeremy Bird, a father of four, who was fatally injured April 14, 2024, at a residential apartment complex under construction at 137th Avenue and Castle Downs Road in north Edmonton.
According to CBC News, Bird was working on the sixth floor of the building when a wall collapsed, striking him and causing him to fall to the ground.
The charges were laid under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.
Dre-Max Construction Inc., a framing contractor based in Spruce Grove, Alta., faces 16 charges, including allegedly failing to ensure workers were adequately trained and supervised during the installation of floors and exterior walls, and failing to enforce safety measures such as personal protective equipment and guardrails.
Vancouver-based real estate company Sixth Avenue Arbutus Management Corp. faces six charges, including allegedly failing to enforce fall protection plans and failing to ensure safe procedures were in place for working at heights.
Both companies are scheduled to make their first appearance at the Edmonton Court of Justice on April 24.
Montana Eve-Marie Lamouche, a former partner of Bird and mother of one of his children, told CBC News she was relieved when she learned of the charges.
“He had a really big heart, and he cared a lot about his family,” Lamouche said. “And his dream, one of his goals, was to remain sober…. I was really proud of him when I heard that.”
In an emailed statement to CBC News, a legal representative for Sixth Avenue Arbutus said the company’s thoughts remain with Bird and his family.
