Investigating Serious Injuries and Fatalities in the Workplace

As a result of the Westray mining disaster that killed 26 workers in 1992, the Criminal Code was amended in 2004, updating the rules for imposing criminal liability on corporations and clarifying the duties of employers to ensure a safe workplace.

It is of critical importance for police to investigate serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace in the same manner that we investigate any other potential crime scene to determine if criminality is present.

Learning Objectives:

When you have completed this course you will be able to:

• Recognize how the Criminal Code applies when investigating a serious injury or fatality in the workplace
• Recall the legal duty and criminal offences in the Criminal Code that are relevant to investigating, laying/referring charges, and prosecuting serious workplace-related injuries and fatalities
• Identify strategies and best practices when coordinating a serious workplace injury or fatality investigation across federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions
• Recognize that investigative techniques and processes must also be applied to investigations involving serious injuries or fatalities in the workplace

Target Audience

Sworn Police, Police Services, Student, Government and Other First Responders

Content Provider

This project was initiated by the Department of Justice and received significant contributions from the following collaborators:
Employment and Social Development Canada
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Canadian Labour Congress
Calgary Police Service
Toronto Police Service
Steelworkers Union
Crown Prosecution & Provincial Regulatory Bodies