No charges expected in worker’s case

Safety investigation continues after Wayne Wall’s death

Police are not anticipating any criminal charges in the death of Wayne Wall. The Cape Ray man was killed July 23, 2013 while working with a Department of Transportation road crew, painting lines on the Trans-Canada Highway near Steel Mountain.

Const. Matt Christie with the RCMP Traffic Division West said there is reason to believe the driver who struck and killed Wall did not know he was in a construction zone.

On top of that, the driver was travelling at about 70 km/h, which is not considered a dangerous speed. For those two reasons, the RCMP has chosen not to lay criminal charges against the driver.

Christie said his investigation focused on the driver of the vehicle who struck and killed Wall. He said the Occupation Health and Safety branch of the provincial government is doing a separate investigation on the worksite itself. That investigation continues.

The one-year anniversary of Wall’s death was last Wednesday. The Department of Transportation highlighted safety changes that have been made since the accident.

Transportation Minister Nick McGrath was travelling and unavailable for an interview, but a spokesman for the department did provide a statement on the changes that have come about since Wall’s death.

The department has increased safety training for staff, has stopped the practice of painting the word “yield” at the end of passing lanes, and has reduced the number of arrows it paints on roadways, the spokesman said.

“In addition, we now require barrier vehicles when placing signs,” said the spokesman. “There have been several updates made to our Traffic Control Manual which we believe will increase safety of staff and the general public.”

According to the department, the RCMP and RNC have been helping to enforce traffic rules at construction sites, as resources allow.

A radio advertising campaign is planned for later this summer to remind drivers about safety concerns when driving through con-

The Wall family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers on

this difficult day. Department of Transportation

spokesperson

struction zones.

Wayne Wall’s name was added to the Worker’s Memorial in Corner Brook on May 10.

The spokesperson said the anniversary of his death would be difficult for staff.

“Today, the department will be supporting our staff, particularly those who work at the depot in Doyles where Mr. Wall worked, as they continue to work through this traumatic event. The Wall family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers on this difficult day.”