Metron fined $200,000 in the death of four workers in swing-stage tragedy

A construction company in Ontario has been fined $200,000 in the death of four workers in a scaffolding mishap.

TORONTO

A construction company in Ontario has been fined $200,000 in the death of four workers in a scaffolding mishap.

The rare conviction for criminal negligence causing death against Metron Construction is the first of its kind in Ontario under the Criminal Code.

The incident occurred on Christmas Eve in 2009, when high-rise scaffolding snapped in Toronto, sending four workers plunging to their deaths and leaving one badly hurt.

Metron pleaded guilty, but charges against its owner, Joel Swartz, were dropped.

The company had faced a fine of up to $1 million.

Labour activists are upset with the judge's decision, saying they wanted to see jail time, not just fines.

THE CANADIAN PRESS